IPL performances don’t have any influence on radical sort of analysis in World Cup team selection: Virat Kohli

Hyderabad, March 1: Indian Captain Virat Kohli who is in Hyderabad for first match of ODI series against Australia stated that IPL performances of players will have ‘no influence’ on the World Cup 2019 team selection.

 

With 12 to 13 spots more or less locked, India will be zeroing in on their last couple of players for the World Cup, which starts May 30 in England, after the five games in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

 

“No, I don't see the IPL having any influence on World Cup selection. I think that will be very, very radical sort of analysis. One good IPL won't make much of a difference for any World Cup hopeful”, shared Kohli.

“We need to have a solid team. Before we head into the IPL, we need to be absolutely clear of what team we want for the World Cup. If one or two players do not have a good IPL season, it doesn't mean that they are out of the picture for the World Cup. Those things are not going to matter”, he further added setting the record set.

“We will have to think about the combinations. I don't think playing a bowler less is a good idea. We will have to work out the batting combination to try and give game-time to the guys we want to. But, I don't see the bowling combination changing”, Kohli said while talking about the remaining slots.

The skipper also dropped a broad hint that KL Rahul, who seems to have regained some form after being opt out of few games due to his controversy, has made a very good case for himself for the World Cup squad.

“It augurs really well. KL, when he plays well, is operating at a different level I feel. It's very difficult to find a consistent player, who can play good cricketing shots and still win you games at a strike-rate of over 140 or 150. He has all the shots and has a solid game as well”, he said about KL Rahul.

“We are playing to win the series or else I'll leave the ball to hit the stumps”, he said adding sarcasm in his voice. The captain also reiterated that India couldn't win the T20 International series simply because Australia was a better side.

“From outside, it's easy to say, they don't have the heart to play. We always want to win games for India. If you see it negatively, you'll only be able to extract negative things but if you look at it positively, you'll be able to take positive things”, he expressed in conclusion.