This question about Rohit Sharma was “unbelievable” to Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was taken aback during the post-match press conference after India’s shocking defeat to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup opener when a journalist questioned if Ishan Kishan could replace Rohit Sharma in the following match. Kishan scored 70 runs off 46 balls in India’s warm-up match against England, but he was left out of the starting XI for the Super 12 encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Kohli was taken aback by the question and asked the interviewer, “It’s an audacious question. What are your thoughts, sir?”
After being pressed further for an explanation, the Team India skipper responded, “I chose the team I believed to be the best. What are your thoughts on the matter?”
“Will Rohit Sharma be dropped from T20 internationals? You’re going to bench Rohit Sharma? Do you recall what he did in our most recent game? Yeah? Unbelievable. If you want to stir up a debate, please let me know ahead of time so I can respond appropriately “, he went on to say.
Pakistan reached 152 for no loss in 17.5 overs while chasing a goal of 152 runs. Captain Babar Azam hit an undefeated 68 off 52 balls, which he shared with opening partner Mohammad Rizwan (79 off 55 balls), who was also unbroken.
India had earlier produced a total of 151 for seven in 20 overs, with Kohli scoring 57 off 49 balls. Rishabh Pant also played a significant role, scoring 39 runs off 30 deliveries.
Pakistan’s paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi was in fine form, taking three wickets in four overs. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were also dismissed as a result of his dismissals.