Undoubtedly, Virat Kohli will play T20Is but his form will be taken into consideration: Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian cricketer and expert Wasim Jaffer has opined that senior batter Virat Kohli’s place is not fixed in the Indian playing XI for T20Is as his performance will be monitored by the selectors before taking any decision. Jaffer also said that questions were raised about Kohli’s approach and strike rate during the last T20 World Cup.

Jaffer also named Deepak Hooda to be taken into consideration as a permanent member of the India line-up as he can bowl as well. The right-handed batter is in red hot form as he was adjudged player of the series during the T20I series against Ireland. During that tour, Hooda also stroked his maiden international hundred.

I don’t think Virat Kohli will be a certainty because so many young players have done so well: Jaffer

“Kohli plays, there’s no doubt about it but his form will be taken into consideration. His IPL strike rate hasn’t been great. He’s not been in the best of forms. Deepak Hooda can give you an option with bowling so that will be taken into consideration but not straightaway. I’d say Kohli will get an opportunity to play a few matches and then probably selectors will take a call but I don’t think he’ll be a certainty because so many young players have done so well. In the last T20 World Cup, the strike rate, that approach, was questioned and I think we need to keep looking at the future,” Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo.

I’m not gonna sit here and say ‘leave Kohli out’. I’d be wanting that if I was on the England side. It’s a big decision to make. India has got so many good players coming through their system but Kohli’s got to come in. What do they say, form is temporary, class is permanent,” he said.

To note, team India will take on England in a three-match T20I series starting on June 7 (Thursday). The former Indian skipper Kohli will be available from the second T20I match.