Vice-captain K.L. Rahul of India came out in support of star batter Virat Kohli on Friday before of the start of their Asia Cup 2022 campaign, stating that the criticism from the outside has not worried the former Indian skipper during the difficult times.
In the second game of the 2022 Asia Cup, India is prepared to face its bitter rival Pakistan. The two teams will square off on August 28 in the Asia Cup, reigniting their rivalry for the first time since India's humiliating 10-wicket loss to Pakistan in October 2021, which was their first defeat to their neighbours in any World Cup.
Virat Kohli will also make his comeback in this game after an absence of more than a month. He last played in an international match on July 17 in England. For the series against the West Indies and Zimbabwe, he had a break.
The talk of the town has been Kohli's recent performance, with the great Indian hitter suffering through a brief slump.
"The comments are not actually given much weight by us. Everyone has an opinion, but it doesn't really matter to a player, particularly a world-class player like Virat who will undoubtedly be influenced by what others are saying outside the game, "K.L. Rahul stated during a press conference the day before the Asia Cup's opening match.
"He has taken a brief sabbatical and is currently developing his game. He hasn't been able to meet his own standards, but I have no doubt that he is eager to succeed for his country by winning games. He has consistently played that way throughout his career, with the goal of winning games for his nation "Added he.
The team's goal is the T20 World Cup, therefore the opener said that they are keen for Virat to regain his previous form.
"Positive things will definitely occur, and everyone is impatiently waiting for Virat to regain his previous form. As a team from India, we are unconcerned. Our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, provided that all of our hitters are in good shape and that our bowlers have competed in enough games "said he.
The 30-year-old, who hasn't played a single T20I this year, will be staging his own comeback in the game against Pakistan. The India opener spent the majority of 2022 watching from the sidelines due to injuries and a case of Covid-19.
During the Zimbabwe tour, he did make a comeback and received some much-needed playing time before the Asia Cup. In order to prepare for the Men's T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, the Asia Cup will be the ideal competition for him to test himself against the finest teams.
In terms of my own recuperation and observing how my body has recovered, coming to Zimbabwe and playing three matches was beneficial, said Rahul.
"There is nothing like playing a game on the ground; you can spend time with the physio and in the nets. You'll need to remain on the field for three and a half hours, especially if you're playing an ODI and starting again "he added.
The vice-captain added that his confidence in his body increased after the Zimbabwe visit.
"The best place to judge your form is always out in the centre, which gives you a lot of confidence. My own personal importance in going there cannot be overstated. Now that my body is feeling a little bit better, I can focus on my skill and join this competition with more confidence " he said.
"I won't use my performance in the nets to determine how well I bat. I'd like to test myself in the middle, and this competition allows me the chance to do so when playing against quality opposition under pressure, "he added.