Who can replace Virat Kohli in the ODI team?Image Credit source: PTI
India vs Australia: The questions that were being raised before Team India’s tour of Australia became more intense after the completion of 2 matches of the ODI series. Is this the last tour of Virat Kohli? Is Virat Kohli going to retire now? Kohli could not even open his account in both the matches played against Australia in Perth and Adelaide and due to this, more questions are being raised on his career than before. But apart from retirement, now a question is also being asked – who will replace Kohli?
Kohli failed on comeback
After staying away from the cricket field for about four and a half months and from international cricket for seven and a half months, Virat Kohli returned from the Australia tour. In such a situation, everyone’s eyes are on Kohli’s performance. Especially Kohli, who has retired from T20 and Test cricket, is now active only in ODI format and due to playing in the same format, everyone wanted to see whether he will be able to score runs continuously in international cricket. But this comeback was not as expected for him.
Even after playing a total of 12 balls in the first two matches against Australia, Kohli could not open his account, which raised voices against him. Even former coach Ravi Shastri, one of Kohli’s biggest supporters, had to say that Kohli does not have much time now and he will have to score runs, because the competition for a place in the team is very high. In such a situation, if Kohli fails in the entire series, then the voices demanding his removal or his retirement will become louder.
These two stars are contenders for Kohli’s place
But the question is also that who are the options for Team India to replace Kohli? Two names are very special in this – Tilak Verma and Riyan Parag. In this too, left-handed batsman Tilak Verma is seen ahead, who has impressed a lot with his performance in T20 International. Recently, by playing a match-winning inning for Team India in the final of the Asia Cup, Tilak has left a deep impression of his batting and ability.
Apart from his age, being a good fielder, being a part-time spinner and the full support of coach Gautam Gambhir are important aspects in favor of Tilak, who is only 22 years old. Tilak has played only 4 ODIs for India so far, in which he has scored only 68 runs but his List A record is strong. Tilak, who bats in the top and middle order, has scored 1645 runs in 41 List A (ODI) matches at an average of 46. He has also taken 9 wickets.
At the same time, Riyan Parag can also be a good option, who is a better option than Tilak as an all-rounder. However, due to injury and form, Ryan has been out of Team India for the last one year and has been able to score only 121 runs in his short career of 10 international matches. But this 23 year old young player coming from Assam has demonstrated his abilities well in domestic cricket. In 53 List A matches, he has scored 1922 runs at an average of 43 and has also taken 53 wickets. He has no answer in fielding.
Kohli or selectors – who will take the decision?
However, despite all this, any option will be selected only when Virat Kohli or the selectors give their decision. The fans would hope that after the Australia tour, Kohli also plays the ODI series against South Africa in November-December and by scoring some runs, he stakes his claim to continue playing in the team. But whatever happens next, it is clear that Team India has no dearth of options.