With T20 World Cup looming large, there’s a lot going on behind every rise and slump. While having a great campaign will surely boost the chance of getting a World Cup ticket, a dismal one will play heavily against the players. For those vying to get into the national squad, this is perhaps the worst time to go through a lean patch.

Irrespective of how he has done so far, Virat Kohli is among the first names on India’s team sheet. The bigger question, however, is what if Kohli doesn’t regain his form even in the second half of the Indian Premier League? What if he continues to get out cheaply in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa?

At this point, the former Indian skipper just doesn’t seem capable of buying runs. He is trapped within a string of low scores, and with every match, he seems to be digging a new nadir for himself. 

If this goes on for the next couple of months, selectors will be left with no choice than taking some harsh calls. It’s a road no one envisaged for a player who is the leading run-getter in the most competitive T20 tournament. 

Facing Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, Kohli nearly got out for his third successive golden duck, after getting beaten by an in-swinger from Trent Boult. A few moments later, he nearly chopped onto his stumps. An agonising stay finally came to an end on his 10th ball via Prasidh Krishna. 

Many cricket pundits have already opined how a break from cricket will help Kohli.

Some fans have already started questioning his place in the T20 World Cup: