NEW DELHI: Amidst reports suggesting that Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli might be excluded from the upcoming T20 World Cup squad, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria expressed his conviction that the stylish batter will undoubtedly find a place in the Indian team.
Speculation has been rife regarding the national selectors and team management's readiness to make tough decisions ahead of the tournament. While the BCCI has refrained from intervening in the matter, leaving the decision to the selection committee and team management, there have been suggestions that Kohli could be overlooked for the T20 World Cup.
Reacting to the buzz on social media, Danish Kaneria dismissed the notion, stating, "you can’t take social media seriously...anything to get viral."
Expressing his support for Kohli's inclusion, Kaneria told IANS, "How can you ignore him (Virat). He should be in India's squad. He has been scoring runs, it is not a time to look beyond Kohli, it is a time to have Kohli in your squad, who can also groom youngsters."
Kohli last featured in a T20I series against Afghanistan in January, where he scored 29 & 0 in two matches.
In addition to endorsing Kohli, Kaneria also praised the resurgence of chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, noting his regained confidence and improved performance. He encouraged Kuldeep to continue building on his confidence, suggesting that more opportunities, including in the Ranji Trophy, would aid his development.
Looking ahead to the IPL, scheduled to commence on March 22, Kaneria urged the BCCI and franchises to manage the workload of core players effectively, particularly to prevent injuries to key players like Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, emphasizing the need for their careful nurturing.
Expressing his eagerness to contribute to the game, Kaneria expressed his desire to return to the field, offering his expertise as a coach. He welcomed the opportunity to work with any IPL team, particularly to mentor young spinners and contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers.
(With inputs from IANS)
