India’s T20 World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start against Pakistan at Dubai.
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Virat Kohli’s team lost by 10 wickets, their first ever defeat to Pakistan at a men’s World Cup in either format, succumbing to a superb all-round Pakistan performance.
In the post-game press conference, one journalist appeared to question the place of Rohit Sharma – the favourite to take over from Kohli as T20I skipper after the T20 World Cup – in the India side, putting to Kohli the possibility of replacing Rohit with Ishan Kishan who impressed in India’s warm-up victory over England. Rohit was pinned in front by a Shaheen Afridi in-swinger for a first ball duck.
The journalist asked: “Regarding the selection of the team, many people were talking about the selection of Ishan Kishan; he has played very well in the warm-up matches. Do you think Ishan Kishan could play and do better than Rohit Sharma?”
Kohli, seemingly surprised by the insinuation that he should consider dropping one of his most senior players, replied: “It’s a very brave question, what do you think, sir?”
After a bit of back-and-forth, Kohli said: “Will you drop Rohit Sharma from T20 internationals? You’ll drop Rohit Sharma? Do you know what he did in the last game we played? Yeah? Unbelievable. If you want controversy, please tell me before so I answer accordingly.”
The game Kohli was referencing was Rohit’s most recent T20I appearance before the T20 World Cup, against England earlier this year. In the series decider, Rohit blasted a 34-ball 62 from the top order to get India off to flier. They eventually posted 224-2, won the game and sealed the series.
You can watch the moment below:
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