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World Cup: 'India need someone like Kohli, who has been there, done that'

Last updated on: August 27, 2023 23:47 IST

IMAGE: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli will play a key role in the ODI World Cup. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said that with his current state of play, ODIs are just the right format for star batter Virat Kohli and his presence for India at the big stages will be extremely valuable because he has "been there, done that". 

India's journey towards the World Cup at home will gain greater intensity as they start their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2.

After this, Men in Blue's next big test will be the World Cup at home from October 5 onwards. India will start their campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8.

 

During these times, India will no doubt need their in-form star Virat at his absolute best because of his ability to perform under pressure and win games single-handedly.

"Great player who has had a great journey. But people change, players change and skills change as well. At this stage, you see that Rohit Sharma, his greatest skill and impact is visible in Test cricket. I expect Virat to have a great WC," said Sanjay on Star Sports.

"With his current state of play, you would think that 50-overs is just the right format for him," he added.

"On the big stage, he has done it for India on many occasions. You get excited about many young and rising players. But on a big night, we need a player, who has been there, done that. That is where Virat becomes so valuable for India," concluded the former batter. 

Virat has been in good form this year. In 10 ODIs this year, he has scored 427 runs at an average of 53.37, with two tons and a fifty and a best of 166 against Sri Lanka.

In 17 international matches across formats this year in 19 innings, he has scored 984 runs at an average of 54.66 with four centuries and two fifties. His best score is 186 against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Source: ANI