Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has been battling poor form for a long time. Kohli has not been able to score a single century since November 2019 and in the last 77 international innings. Questions are constantly being raised about his place in the team. However, while Kohli is facing criticism for his poor form, he enjoys ample support from the captain and the team management.
Captain Rohit Sharma and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly are sure that Virat Kohli will return to form soon. Behind this, both of them have also cited their long career and many international records. However, former England spinner Monty Panesar has struck a different chord about Virat Kohli’s continuance in the team.
Panesar believes that money could be the reason behind Virat Kohli not dropping him from the team despite his poor performance. Virat Kohli is a big name in the cricket world, he has a huge brand value in the market. Let us tell you that even in the second ODI against England, Kohli failed to play a big innings. He returned to the pavilion after scoring 16 runs in 25 balls.
According to the news of Times of India, Monty Panesar says, ‘It is like Cristiano Ronaldo, when he plays for Manchester United, everyone watches football. Same is the case with Virat Kohli. He has a lot of fan following. Is there pressure on BCCI to keep sponsors happy?
He said, ‘Whatever the outcome and the role, Virat Kohli has to play. Maybe this is the big question. He cannot drop Virat or take the risk of dropping him because it will result in huge financial loss for him.
Panesar believes that the absence of Kohli in the team will reduce the sponsorship, as the fans and sponsors attract everyone to him. Panesar said, “From a financial perspective, their market value is very high. Fans like him very much. We all love Kohli and his intensity. Sometimes it is too much, but here in England they are very much liked. So according to the BCCI, they have to take a decision in this matter after due consideration.
The former England spinner said, ‘From a financial point of view, other cricket boards also earn a lot because of Virat. But is it right for Virat Kohli to be in the Indian team at this time? Will he have to suffer loss in T20 World Cup or ODI World Cup by keeping him in the team? This is the biggest question at the moment?’