Having a big reputation is not enough, says Kapil Dev
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have not been able to deliver for the team in crunch situations during a game which makes things difficult for the team when they need them the most. Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev is of the opinion that it is not enough to have a big reputation.
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are the first choice batters of the Indian team when it comes to limited-overs cricket. The three batters have done well consistently for the team but have faltered when it comes to delivering in crucial situations. India have not won the T20 World Cup since 2007 and it seems like the top three batters not performing in crunch games has been a huge cause of worry for the Indian team.
Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev talked about where the Indian team is lacking in recent times. “They have a big reputation and there's huge pressure on them, which shouldn't be the case. You have to play fearless cricket. All of these are players who can hit at a strike rate of 150-160. Whenever we need them to score runs, they all get out. When it is time to take off (in the innings), they are out. And that adds to pressure. Either you play an anchor or you play striker,” Kapil Dev said on YouTube channel Uncut.
The former world cup winning captain also talked about KL Rahul at length and explained where the right-handed batter is lacking.
“When you talk about KL Rahul, if the team tells him to play the entire 20 overs and you come back with a score of, say 60 not out, you're not doing justice to your team,” said Kapil.
“I think the approach needs to change. And if it doesn't, you have to change the players. A big player is expected to make a big impact. Having a big reputation is not enough, you also have to deliver great performances.”