Former Sri Lanka batter Mahela Jayawardene said that Virat Kohli returning to form will be a massive boost for Team India in the T20 World Cup 2022. He also said that the right-hander is going to be a factor for India and it’ll be a concern for all the oppositions.
Virat is going to be a factor for India in T20 World Cup 2022 – Mahela Jayawardene
The T20 World Cup 2022 is less than one month away now. The event will take place in Australia from 16th October to 13th November. Talking about Team India, they have named their squad and one of the biggest positives for them will be returning of Virat Kohli to form.
The former Indian skipper set the stage on fire during the Asia Cup 2022 and ended the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer with 276 runs to his name at an average of 92. Coming to the tournament, he was under a scanner and his place was under scrutiny.
Virat Kohli is the only player in Indian team who performed underpressue in big matches . – Brendon McCullum
Advertisement— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vvohra) September 16, 2022
However, he gave a befitting reply to all the critics of his performance. Many fans and pundits lauded Kohli for his outing and said that it’ll be a massive boost for India going into World Cup.
Jayawardene also feels that Kohli returning to form will be a concern for the opposition. Speaking during the ICC review, he said:
“In the Asia Cup, he batted well, showed what he is capable of, especially in that batting position. Going forward for India, having that stability in that line-up and having confidence that a guy like Virat is going to be a factor, is going to be a concern for the opposition as well. We need all these brilliant players to be at their best form in a World Cup, and that’s what the World Cup deserves as well.” Mahela Jayawardene said.
He recalled Kohli’s bad phase and said:
“He was there and thereabouts pretty much. He just didn’t have that big score under his belt to get that confidence, especially in white ball cricket, which is always going to happen. There were a few injury concerns in the last 12 months. He had little niggles, and they rested him, and India kept on giving people rest, with the workload that they had. So not having that consistent run also makes it tough.” He said.
Not having Jadeja will be a massive loss for India in T20 World Cup 2022 – Mahela Jayawardene
While Kohli returning to form is a massive boost, they suffered a blow, as well as Ravindra Jadeja, was ruled out of the T20I World Cup 2022. The all-rounder suffered a knee injury during the Asia Cup following which he underwent knee surgery and failed to recover in time.
One step at a time🧌 pic.twitter.com/WBgm4culoI
Advertisement— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) September 14, 2022
Jayawardene also talked about Jadeja’s absence and said:
“They had fit him nicely in that No.5 role. He has been batting really well and him and Hardik being in that top six – two guys who can give that all-around options – gave India much more flexibility in that batting order. But not having Jadeja, the form that he was in, it will be a massive loss for them. It is a tough one for them, and probably a concern not having that left-hander.”
India will be next seen in action during the T20I series against Australia and South Africa at home, starting 20th September.
