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‘Absolute Match-Winner': 2007 T20 WC Winner Bats For Kohli’s Inclusion In T20 WC Squad

Kohli has been in stupendous form in IPL 2024 [AP] Kohli has been in stupendous form in IPL 2024 [AP]

Later this month, the selection committee will finalize the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The topic of discussion remains Virat Kohli’s selection, as earlier reports suggested that selectors are not considering him. Amid the speculations about Kohli’s selection, World Cup winning all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed “match-winner” Kohli to play in the World Cup due to his ability to flourish under pressure.

Ahead of the IPL 2024, a report in The Telegraph revealed that Kohli might not be considered for the World Cup event in June as he hasn't been at his best in the T20 format, with his strike-rate being an issue. This gave Kohli extra motivation, and now he’s sitting at the top of the tree with the most runs so far in this season. He has scored more than 200 runs with his strike-rate being 140.97.

Former WC winner bats for Kohli's inclusion

“For those who are talking about Virat Kohli, I’d like to say that his strike rate in international cricket is as good as or even better than Chris Gayle. He is a big-ticket player and an absolute match-winner. He knows how to chase. The more will be the pressure, the more he will flourish. So, don’t even raise a question,”  Irfan Pathan told ESPN Cricinfo.

The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar has yet to finalize their final 15 for the ICC event, let alone announce the squad, which they are expected to do later this month. 

With India having played just 11 T20I matches since the ODI World Cup in November, this year’s IPL will play a big role in aiding the selectors in picking the squad. Given the way Kohli is batting, he appears to be all set to participate in another World Cup.