Legendary Indian cricketer claims Virat Kohli should be dropped from team

Considered one of the best all-rounders of all time, legendary Indian captain Kapil Dev has raised questions over Virat Kohli's inclusion in the team despite mediocre performances over the last couple of years.

Speaking to the media regarding Virat Kohli's position in the team, Kapil Dev claimed that if Kohli's performances have not been up to the mark then it does not make sense to keep out youngsters.

"Yes, now the situation is such that you might be forced to bench Kohli from T20 playing eleven. If world No. 2 bowler Ashwin can be dropped from Test side then (once upon a time) world No. 1 batter can also be dropped," Kapil said in an interview given to ABP News.

Kapil claimed that Virat Kohli has not replicated the form which brought him fame and love and that is a cause for concern.

"Virat is not batting at a level which we have seen him do over the years. He has made a name because of his performances but if he isn’t performing, then you can’t keep the performing youngsters out of the team," he said.

The former Indian captain also added that removing Kohli from the team will always be seen as a subjective move, which is why it should not be something anyone should focus on.

"You can call it rest and someone else will call it dropped. Every person will have his own view. Obviously, if selectors don’t pick him (Kohli), then it could be because a big player isn’t performing," he maintained.

Competition always forces players to perform at their highest level and since Kohli has been at the top for so long, perhaps this is exactly what he needs to get back to his old self, maintained Dev.

"I want competition for places in the team in a positive sense that these youngsters should try and outperform Virat,” he added. “Play in-form players when you have loads of options,” said Kapil. "You can’t just go by reputation but you have to look for the current form. You can be an established player but that doesn’t mean that you will be given chances even if you fail five games in a row."