Just before the Asia Cup, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri made a significant remark on former Indian captain Virat Kohli. The competition will mark Kohli’s return to international cricket after a hiatus. The last time he represented India, he did not bat in the opening ODI match against the West Indies.
Shastri thinks that in major competitions like the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup 2023, the Indian batting approach will need to change and adapt accordingly with the bat. India’s chances in both of the mega-events depend heavily on Kohli.
Shastri told Star Sports that Kohli must go the same route that players like Joe Root and Steve Smith have taken in the recent past in order to succeed.
Every Batsman, Not Just Virat Kohli Every Indian batter must advance: Vijay Shastri
No matter how accomplished a player you are, you must continue to develop, and Virat Kohli is no exception. When you watch around the world, you can see players like Joe Root, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, or even Kohli himself at specific points in his career, according to Shastri.
“There are innovations out there, so you need to change and adapt to the times. Some participants seek to raise the stakes. Currently, a different template is being used. Not just Virat Kohli, but every hitter in that order must always improve, he continued.
Sandeep Patil, who took part in the conversation as well, discussed the value of Hardik Pandya to the Indian white-ball teams. After India’s 3-2 T20I series loss to West Indies, Hardik recently came under fire for his captaincy. In the five-match series, Hardik’s individual performance was below average; he only scored 77 runs and took four wickets.
“I have no idea at what number he will bat. He must remember, though, that he will be part of the squad as an all-rounder as well as a batsman. When managing the Gujarat team in the IPL, he demonstrated responsibility, Sandeep Patil said.
For the Asia Cup 2023, the Indian team will feature Pandya and Kohli once more. On September 2, Pakistan and India will face off in Pallekele.
