Team India without Virat Kohli is unimaginable. At least that’s what the fans think. His 57.8 million fans on Twitter at least are not. As India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Kohli will miss IND vs BAN Asia Cup clash, floodgates opened on social media. Fans lashed out at Rohit and Rahul Dravid for not including him and denying him an opportunity at a personal milestone.
Some of the fans called Rohit Sharma a selfish leader because the Bangladesh match was an opportunity for Kohli to get his 78th international century. He could also become the top scorer in Asia Cup.
Fans not happy
“Still Virat Kohli didn’t benched him and let him statpadd against Nam, sco and AFG. And Rohit Sharma for his own Runs benched Kohli who’s coming after 3 month’s break. Difference between selfless leader and selfish leader,” one of the fans said.
Some called it a ploy to prevent him from getting closer to the magic number of 50 centuries in ODIs. Virat Kohli with 47 centuries is just behind the great Sachin Tendulkar (49) on the landmark.
“Virat Kohli being rested again after he played ODI directly against Pak getting his form back despite getting rested in WI series is clearly to stop him from the 50 ODI century mark. I didn’t believe it, but Rohit Sharma and management are making it look obvious,” the other fan said.
However, unlike his fans, Virat Kohli behaved like an ultimate team man. He carried drinks, cheered the team from the sidelines and also offered advice to Mohammad Shami that led to a wicket. Later, he came on as a substitute fielder as well.
Why was Virat Kohli benched?
To note, India Cricket Team rested Virat Kohli as IND vs BAN is a dead rubber. India have already sealed their spot in the Asia Cup final. Hence, it was the only opportunity to give someone like Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav an opportunity.
Virat Kohli will play in the three-match series against Australia besides the World Cup. Hence, it’s important to keep him fresh. With India playing the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in 48 hours time, it is important for him to rest.
The former India captain admitted he was exhausted after the Pakistan clash. But instead of resting, he was back on the filed within 15 hours to face Sri Lanka the next day.
“I was going to ask you to keep the interview short, I’m very tired. It’s the first time I have done anything like this in 15 years of cricket. Luckily we are Test players, so we know how to come back the next day and play. Recovery is crucial. It was humid out there today. I am 35 in November, so I need to take care of my recovery,” Virat Kohli told former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar during the post-match interview.
Editors pick
