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‘Can’t Judge Him’ Kohli Slams Critics For Targeting Rahane But Fans Think He’s Bluffing
India might have wrapped up the Test series against New Zealand with an astonishing 372-run victory but it has increased the headache for the selectors and team management going forward.
CHAMPIONS
This is #TeamIndia‘s 14th consecutive Test series win at home.#INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/FtKIKVCzt8
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
In the absence of some of the first-choice players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, their replacements Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer grabbed the opportunities with both hands and made a strong case for their selection for the upcoming tour of South Africa.
Mayank Agarwal is adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant show with the bat #TeamIndia | @mayankcricket | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/YWaetCtjat
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
While youngsters impressed with their performance, veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinya Rahane failed to produce a single notable performance during the two-match series. According per the BCCI press release, Rahane missed the second Test with an injury but fans were convinced that he was dropped on the bench owing to his poor performances of late.
Both the senior campaigners have been facing a lot of criticism on social media and many experts also feel that neither of them deserve a place in the starting lineup but Rahane would be the first one to get the sack.
The mindset is to take Indian cricket forward and stay at the top: #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/NWrxTih29K
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
When asked about his opinion on his Test deputy’s ongoing struggles, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that it’s hard for anyone to judge a player’s form because only he can tell what’s going through his head and how he is feeling about his game.
“I can’t judge his form. No one can judge it. Only the individual knows what he’s going through. We need to back them in these moments, especially when they have done well in the past. We don’t have this environment where we have our players asking ‘what happens now?’. That’s not how we do it in the side,” Kohli said during the post-match press conference.
Congratulations @imVkohli. The first player with 50 international wins in each format of the game.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/51zC4hceku
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
“If there is some pressure on an individual and people start creating an environment wherein everyone is asking ‘what happens next?’, we don’t entertain that as a team. We cannot expect that balance outside.”
“The same people who praise certain players want them out of the team after two months. We have never reacted like that and we never will because we know the amount of effort that goes into it [playing the game]. We will support him, whether it is Ajinkya or someone else. We won’t take a decision based on the atmosphere outside,” said the Indian captain, describing Rahane as an important team player.
INDIA WIN by 372 runs
Scorecard – https://t.co/KYV5Z1jAEM #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/frGCmHknNP
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2021
Kohli obviously did not answer directly but his response gave a clear indication that Rahane’s spot in the Playing XI was not under threat as of now.
A large group of supporters who have long been urging the team management to get rid of the Mumbai batter started moaning after Kohli chose to defend his red-ball deputy.
Just formalities, he has to say these things don’t look too much into it. As captain he obviously has to show moral support atleast.
— Andy. (@WeBleedBlue007) December 6, 2021
Just moral support guys. (Important too)
We very well know what’s going to happen. (Or at least should happen)
— Transponster (@MemesIcc) December 6, 2021
Shit his place confirmed
— Abhinav (@Abhinav0224) December 6, 2021
Confirmed south africa tour for Rahane ffs
— Vaee⁷ (@borntoshineXX) December 6, 2021
Why sad ? He only did himself like that played failure innings in 12 matches…team dropped him gave chance to Iyer he grabbed and proved
— Abhi Ram (@AbhiRamaKrishn8) December 6, 2021
However, a large group of supporters also believed that the Delhi born cricketer was only giving moral support to his teammate while he was going through a difficult phase. And come the next Test match, the Mumbai batter would be dropped on the bench to accommodate either Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer.
What’s going through Kohli’s mind only he can tell but as fans we only hope whatever Playing XI they pick it helps the team not the opposition.