IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli needs some ‘extra chances’, says THIS former cricketer

Virat Kohli missed the first ODI with a groin injury and remains uncertain for the second game at Lord’s on Thursday as well.

Source: Twitter

Former India captain Virat Kohli is going through a long patch of poor form. Kohli, one of the finest all-format batsmen in modern day cricket, has been struggling with the bat for almost two years. Kohli, 33 has not scored a century since November 2019, when he scored 136 against Bangladesh in Kolkata. Recently, Kohli failed to produce a big knock in the fifth Test Match against England. Kohli scored 11 and 20 runs in the two innings as England won the test by 7 wickets.

Former fast bowler and Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra now has backed Virat Kohli to get some chances due to his performances in the past. “There will be discussions even if you’re not a player of Kohli’s calibre. When you are playing, you try to focus on your game and not listen to so-called ‘outside voices’ from people outside the dressing room. It’s important how your teammates, management, and selectors are backing you,” Nehra was quoted as saying by Sony Sports.

Virat Kohli signing autographs for the fans in Oval. pic.twitter.com/Y5JdQfXGzN — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 13, 2022

“But we are talking about a guy like Virat. Yes, it’s not written anywhere that he will keep playing for India even if he doesn’t score runs. But when you have done so much in the past, you will always get extra chances,” Nehra stated.

“Everybody knows his accomplishments and the talent he has. At the age of 33, fitness isn’t a problem for him. Everybody is hopeful that Virat will come good, the quicker the better. Let’s hope we see a different Virat after the West Indies series. If he rests for a month or five odd weeks, it will be helpful for him,” Nehra added.

Kohli missed the first ODI with a groin injury and remains uncertain for the second game at Lord’s as well. India won the first ODI by 10 wickets on Tuesday (July 12) and will look to win the ODI series with a victory on Thursday as well.

(with IANS inputs)