Exit Plan Must Be Clear, Says Ex-Cricketer Amid Questions Over Virat Kohli's Future
"Virat has got runs, but he also knows what's happening," former cricketer Atul Wassan said.
India’s ace batter Virat Kohli's lack of form in the ongoing Australia tour has sparked a debate over his future in Test cricket. The 36-year-old has already exited T20 internationals, and questions loom over his longevity in red-ball cricket.
Former cricketer Atul Wassan, while speaking to news agency ANI, expressed the need for an exit strategy.
"Virat has got runs, but he also knows what's happening. They are very sorted mentally. A player always thinks that 'my best is around the corner'. It's such a long spell; it's hurting the team, and there is questioning, saying you should be dropped. A lynch mob comes after you," he was quoted as saying.
He added, "I think an exit plan, like a succession policy, must be clear. It's not fair on the management, the team, and the cricketing structure; we don't know what's there in your mind."
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the fourth Test, securing a 2-1 series lead. Kohli’s struggle against deliveries outside off-stump continues to be a concern. In the MCG Test, he managed just 36 runs in the first innings but fell prey to wide deliveries in both innings.
Ahead of the Sydney Test, Kohli admitted his lack of discipline on Australian pitches, stating, "I have lacked the discipline required to excel here." Another failure in the series finale might raise further questions on Kohli's future in Tests, especially with emerging youngsters making strong cases for selection.
While his form is under scrutiny, Kohli has been in news for the shoulder barge incident with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the India versus Australia fourth Test in Melbourne on Thursday. The star Indian cricketer was fined 20% of his match fee following the incident.
The brief showdown took place after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings when the players were crossing over. Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch.
Both players quickly turned around to glance at each other and engage in a heated exchange of words. Subsequently, Konstas' teammate Usman Khawaja stepped in to separate them.
With PTI inputs
