"Who's Saying?": On Kohli's T20 WC Snub, Ex-Star Blasts Rumour-Mongers

Amid of a lot uncertainly over Virat Kohli's selection for T20 World Cup 2024, former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth has given a massive verdict. Kohli has played only two T20I matches in 2024 with many speculating that the BCCI is not conserding him for the upcoming mega event in USA and the West Indies. Srikkanth said that Kohli is a must in the team if India have to win the title. The former India cricketer also lashed out at the "rumour-mongers".

"No chance. It's not possible to be without Virat Kohli at the T20 World Cup. He is the one who took us to the semi-finals in T20 World Cup 2022. He was the Man of the Tournament. Who is saying all this? These rumor-mongers, don't they have any other job? What is the basis for all this chatter? If India have to win the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli is a must in the squad," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel as quoted by News18.

Kohli has been out of action since the conclusion of T20I series against Afghanistan. He also missed the recently-concluded five-match Test series against England, citing personal reasons.

Ahead of his return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this month, several reports stated that Kohli might not be in Team India's plans for the T20 World Cup 2024.

"You need a guy who can just stay there. India need that sheet anchor, be it T20 World Cup or ODI World Cup. Without Virat Kohli, the Indian team cannot go. We need Virat Kohli, 100 percent," said Srikkanth.

The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube are some of the players who could be used in the middle-order if Kohli steps aside. But, all is not over for Kohli yet.

It is also believed that Virat's fortunes could change if he goes on to have an exemplary season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, prove the selectors that he can play in the modern T20 mould.