Former India Selector: “Would not really Want Any Kind Of Encroachment On Virat Kohli”

Saba Karim, a former India selector, advised the team management not to compel Kohli to play against Zimbabwe.

After Virat Kohli failed to score significantly in either the T20Is or ODIs against England, the discussion over his form persisted. It is unknown if he would go to Zimbabwe for India’s series there after being rested from the ODIs against West Indies that followed. He is also not included in the team for the T20Is.

The team management shouldn’t make Kohli play against Zimbabwe or threaten him with being cut from consideration for the T20 World Cup squad if he doesn’t, according to former India selector Saba Karim.

On Sports18’s show “Sports Over The Top,” Saba Karim said, “I think the selection committee and the coaching staff have to figure out is whether Virat Kohli is absolutely vital for India’s preparation for India’s T20 World Cup side or not.

But once the selection committee decide the coaching team feels that Virat Kohli is essential to the current victory then I’d chart a path for Virat Kohli’s comeback to great form.”

The selectors, the captain, or Rahul Dravid, he continued, “would love to have a talk with him as well then try to move it forward at that point.

“I wouldn’t want Virat Kohli to feel as though he had to participate in this Zimbabwe series or else he wouldn’t be selected for the World Cup T20. So, once you determine that he is such a crucial component to the team’s success, I believe I should get in touch with him.

I’ll say, “Okay, it’s up to you to choose whether you want to take a long rest and return for the Asia Cup T20, or you want to return to play the Zimbabwe ODI,” “Added Saba Karim.