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There has been a lot of speculation over Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the Indian cricket team squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. While there are some who suggested that India should look at selecting a younger side, others think that the team will be incomplete without a talented veteran like Kohli. Following his brilliant half-century against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, Kohli gave a sharp response to his critics with a sly remark. “I know my name is quite attached to just promoting the game in many parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket, but I have still got it I guess,” he said. While his remark was praised by many, ex-India star Robin Uthappa believes that it was ‘unnecessary’ in the situation.

Uthappa, who was part of the discussion panel on Jio Cinema ahead of RCB’s match against KKR on Friday, said that the decision is up to the selectors and Kohli does not need to say these things.

“I think what he even said at the last game felt so unnecessary. He didn’t have to say that because I think there was never a question in anyone’s mind about his ability or what he can bring to the table. As far as batting is concerned, he is a class act, but India hasn’t. And he’s his intentions, alright, that he wants to be a part of that T20 World cup. Well, it’s up to the selectors if they’re going to look at a young squad or if they’re going to go with the tried and tested veterans who’ve done really well for the country and for themselves and in the IPL in the past. So that’s up to the selectors. But he’s kind of stated, okay, I want to go now. I really want to go and give this a one last score to get a T20 World cup as well,” he said.

Following his side’s loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf Du Plessis said that the wicket was two-paced in the first innings, causing players to struggle a bit with their batting.

With a scintillating batting display, the Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to win away from home in this IPL following their comprehensive seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Faf said, “In the first innings, we thought that the wicket was very two-paced, you could see that when the guys bowled the cutters, back of a length, the guys really struggled. We thought it was a decent score knowing that it gets a little bit easier in the evening, there was a little bit of dew that came in. Looking at the way we batted in the first inning, even if you have someone in there, Virat was struggling to hit the ball just because there was a lack of pace and the surface was two-paced.”

(With ANI inputs)