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[Saba Sports News] After Rohit Sharma smiled during a press conference following the announcement of Team India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli found himself the subject of ridicule on social media.
A reporter’s inquiry about Kohli’s strike rate prompted Sharma’s reaction, which was met with disapproval online. Kohli’s supporters criticized Sharma’s gesture, while others defended Kohli’s role in the team, suggesting his inclusion was for entertainment purposes.
“Kohli knows how to dance and he will distract the opponents with his steps so that we can focus on our game,” some tweeted.
Ajit Agarkar’s remarks in defense of Kohli’s form contrasted with the speculation surrounding his spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
“I don’t think we have been discussing it. No look, he has been in great form fortunately in the IPL. No concerns there at all. With regards to what’s going in the IPL you’re still going to a World Cup. It’s still international cricket, there’s still that gap there. You’ve got to prepare knowing that there’s that gap there,” Agarkar shared earlier in the week.
“That’s where experience does matter. If the tournament turns out to be like the IPL is, where 220 is normal, we still have enough power. We can match that. There is no real point in over-thinking. You have to look at the positives happening in the IPL — form of the new guys, the performances. But at the end of the day, when you turn up in the World Cup, the pressure will be different,” he added.
The ongoing debate over Kohli’s T20 performance, fueled by past criticism from figures like Sunil Gavaskar, continued amid concerns about his strike rate and batting approach.
“It’s just been singles, singles and singles from Kohli. There is [Dinesh] Karthik to come; there is [Mahipal] Lomror to come. You’ve got to try and take a few risks now,” Gavaskar shared.