'He should keep on playing matches'- Kapil Dev applauds Virat Kohli's knock against Pakistan

India’s 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev has now taken a u-turn on his earlier statement by saying that batting megastar Virat Kohli should continue to play after his gritty 35 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022 clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, August 28.

Kapil Dev had earlier questioned Kohli’s place in the Indian playing XI amid the latter's lean patch and at the same time, he also wondered why the selectors are not taking a stern action by benching the underfire batter. However, after Virat’s impressive performance against Pakistan, the legendary all-rounder has now said that the batting icon must play as many matches as he can.

Sometimes you shouldn't be taking too many breaks: Kapil Dev

"I don't think so. We shouldn't even think about it. If we use terms like last audition, or last chance, I don't think that is right. I just want to say to him that he should keep on playing matches. Sometimes, you shouldn't be taking too many breaks. He is a professional and he should not have that problem. I personally feel he should play as many matches and as many matches he can play. That's more important. When you start scoring runs, then the thought process changes," said Kapil on Youtube channel Uncut.

Virat Kohli who was on an extended break for over a month was the joint top-scorer for India against Pakistan as he scored a vital 35 runs off 34 deliveries. In fact, he got a reprieve in the very first over after youngster Naseem Shah  succeeded in inducing an outside edge of his bat which was dropped by Fakhar Zaman at third slip.

The 33-year-old went berserk in the powerplay overs and brought India right back in the game. Unfortunately for Kohli, he could not finish the proceedings as he miscued a shot off Mohammad Nawaz in the 10th over as Iftikhar Ahmed made no mistake while catching the ball. Neverthless, India went on to win the game by five wickets.