After a riveting T20I series which India won by 2-1, the action now shifts to the ODI series, and all eyes are again on Virat Kohli. The ODI, many feel, is the best format for the struggling Kohli to get back in the rhythm.
Here Kohli can take his time without worrying about overconsuming the resources and construct his innings at his own pace. He will not have to worry about the extravagant movement and challenging spells that he often encounters in Test cricket.
Read More: Rohit Sharma Backing Virat Kohli Amidst All The Criticism Reaffirms Their Camaraderie
With questions rising over his place in the T20I side, the ODIs come at an opportune moment for Kohli to silence the critics by getting some runs under his belt. But as reported by Cricbuzz, Kohli is ruled out of the first ODI, set to be played at Kennington Oval, after sustaining a groin injury.
As per the reports, Kohli is under constant supervision of the medical staff, and the decision over his participation will be taken just ahead of the game. However, fans are not ready to believe this, especially after a video of Kohli roaming the streets of London surfaced on the internet.
“Now Virat’s Groin injury and unlikely to play today news is shocking…how did he get injured…you didn’t Bat you didn’t bowl either…You are well rested too…Then HOWWW…??? @BCCI,” asked a prominent cricket journalist Samip Rajguru.
Kohli didn’t come to the optional training session a day ahead of the game either. After an underwhelming performance in the T20I series, where he got out cheaply twice, Kohli’s place in the T20I side has come under scrutiny. But captain Rohit Sharma has extended his full support to Kohli, stating that the whole team has faith in him.
“If you talk about form, then everyone goes through ups and downs. The player’s quality does not get affected,” said Sharma. “When a player is doing well for so many years, then one or two bad series does not make him a bad player. We should not overlook his past performances.”
Featured Image Credit: Virat Kohli/Instagram
