You cannot go too far based on reputation alone: Kapil Dev’s verdict on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
India Today
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been suffering a lean patch of form. With hectic schedule in question, many suggested that they be rested ahead of the World Cup.
India captain Rohit Sharma has been going through a lean patch of form. The extended struggle of him and Virat Kohli during the months of the Indian Premier League meant that fans and experts alike pointed to India’s hectic bio-secure schedule in the lead-up to the tournament, stating that the two stalwarts needed a break.
While it is yet to be seen if that method has paid dividends on not, India’s World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev has mentioned that he is not a fan of this method and hopes that the players are still enjoying the game.
“It’s hard to know today who has been rested or asked to be rested. Only selectors will know about this. The player (Rohit) is brilliant, no question about that. But if you don’t score a fifty in 14 matches, questions will be raised, be it Gary Sobers, Don Bradman, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar or Viv Richards. Only Rohit can answer that what’s happening. Is it too much (cricket) or has he stopped enjoying it?” Kapil said on Uncut.
India have not been able to reach the finals of the limited-overs world tournaments for a while now, and were forced to a group stage exit after losing to Pakistan and New Zealand early in their campaign.
“Players like Rohit and Virat (Kohli) should enjoy the game. How they feel is very important (for their performances),” he said
“You have to score runs (to get back in form). You cannot go too far based on reputation alone. Eventually, the opportunities will get dried up. How many chances would you need after 14 games? Can’t understand why they’re rested. If dropped, where they will get a chance to play then? It’s quite difficult to see how they play now,” he further added.
Both Kohli and Rohit are expected to return in the whites for India to play the one-off match against England, which is the rescheduled final Test match of the earlier series, and then they would take on Eoin Morgan’s white ball side in three T20Is and three ODI fixtures.
