Cricket

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan has vehemently defended Virat Kohli's place in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, dismissing suggestions that the star batter could be dropped from the squad.Irfan's comments come in response to a report in the Telegraph claiming that the Indian selectors are considering omitting Kohli from the team for the marquee event in the West Indies and the USA. Kohli has been out of the T20 setup for over 14 months, having last played in the format against Afghanistan earlier this year.However, Irfan strongly believes that Kohli's absence from the squad would be a grave mistake. "He won the matches in recent times, it's not fair to raise questions on his place. Those questioning Virat Kohli's place in the T20 World Cup belong in gully cricket," Irfan told News24.Irfan emphasized Kohli's match-winning abilities, particularly during the ODI World Cup last year. "We all saw what he did in the ODI World Cup last year, Virat Kohli won 3-4 matches in the World Cup for India on his own. If Kohli didn't step up on that occasion, India would have lost 3-4 matches including group-stage matches against Australia and New Zealand where India lost early wickets. He finished the match on his own," he added.Kohli finished the World Cup as the leading run-scorer with 765 runs at an average of 95.62. He also topped the charts during the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.Irfan's comments highlight the importance of Kohli's experience and leadership in the Indian team. Despite missing the entire England Test series due to the birth of his son, Kohli is expected to return to action during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed concern over the recent struggles of fast bowler Haris Rauf, urging him to seek proper guidance to regain his form. Rauf's poor run of form began during last year's World Cup, where he claimed 16 wickets in 9 matches but leaked runs throughout the campaign. He then missed Pakistan's Test tour of Australia to participate in the Big Bash League.Upon his return to the squad during Pakistan's recent 4-1 T20I series loss against New Zealand, Rauf managed to take seven wickets in four matches but conceded 162 runs. Afridi, speaking to a local news channel, expressed his bewilderment at Rauf's struggles and emphasized the need for guidance from senior players."Right now, Haris Rauf seems to be struggling with his bowling, and I'm not quite understanding it. He needs honest help at this moment, the guidance of seniors is necessary because we shouldn't sideline him completely," Afridi said.Afridi acknowledged Rauf's potential and his past contributions that resulted in 'great success' for the Pakistan team. He believes that Rauf will improve further by playing longer-format cricket, which will help him develop his bowling skills."He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer-format cricket. When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support," Afridi added.Rauf's struggles have led to his central contract being terminated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week. The PCB stated that Rauf's contract was terminated on December 1, 2023, and he will not be granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in any foreign league until June 30, 2024.The PCB's decision came after Rauf refused to feature in the Test series against Australia. The board provided Rauf with a chance for a personal hearing on January 30, but his response was found unsatisfactory.Rauf has played one Test, 37 ODIs, and 66 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 160 international wickets.