'There is no need to panic yet and we need to give them some time' - Gavaskar hits back at Virat Kohli's critics

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli, stating that it is too early to cast aspersions on the champion batsman's place in the T20I team.

While admitting that Kohli is going through a lean patch, Gavaskar shot back at the Delhi cricketer's critics, asking why no one talks about Rohit Sharma when he does poorly?

Gavaskar's statement comes in the aftermath of scathing remarks from his former teammate and legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who recently questioned Kohli's form and place in the T20I set-up.

In an interaction with Sports Tak, Gavaskar said:

"See, I cannot understand that when Rohit Sharma does not score runs no one talks about it. It is the same with other players as well. There is a saying that form is temporary, class is temperament. See, the kind of template they are adopting (in T20Is) where they have to swing the bat from ball one, you will succeed and fail."

He further added that with so many games still to be played before the World Cup in Australia, there is no need to jump the gun with respect to the form of the likes of Kohli.

"We have a good selection committee which is thinking about it. I think there is enough time (more than two months) to announce the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. There will be several competitive Asian countries participating in the event. You will have to pick your team keeping in mind the form of a player. There is no need to panic yet and we need to give them some time,” the former Indian captain added.

Following India's 2-1 win in the T20I series against England, Rohit Sharma was asked about Kapil Dev's remarks on Kohli.

The Indian skipper responded by saying that the people on the outside do not have an idea about the inner dynamics of the team.

Reacting to Rohit's statement, Gavaskar said:

"At times, there is a need for an outside perspective. That is a reason why we have had foreign coaches because they bring a different perspective and look to do their job. On the other hand, very few people know about the environment within a team. This is also correct in a way because the discussion about tactics in the dressing room is privy to them. And, these discussions should not leave the team as they will give the opposition an upper hand. However, from both sides, the main target is the betterment of Indian cricket.”

The legendary opener signed off by stating that Virat's best chance of regaining his touch is by playing more and more ODI cricket as his tempo is naturally suited to the demands of the format.

"I think the ODI series has come at the right time. It suits his natural game. Like in Test cricket, there is enough time to settle down. In ODI cricket too the batter can play himself in according to the conditions.”

That said, Kohli is likely to miss the first ODI at the Oval on Tuesday due to a groin strain. A final call on his selection will be taken on the morning of the game.