"I’ve still got it I guess...", Virat Kohli responds to Ravi Shastri's remarks on his inclusion in T20 World Cup squad

Kohli reacts to Ravi Shastri's remarks

Star batsman Virat Kohli made a pointed remark directed at former Indian coach Ravi Shastri regarding Shastri's recent comments about the former RCB captain's potential inclusion in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad.

Kohli remarked during the post-match award ceremony, where he received the player of the match award for his impressive 77-run innings against Punjab Kings. He said, “I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess.”

The day before the PBKS vs RCB match, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri and ex-England captain Kevin Pietersen deliberated over Team India's ICC T20 World Cup squad. Pietersen advocated for players like Kohli to aid global expansion of the game, particularly in the USA. In response to Pietersen, Shastri stressed the importance of winning the competition over promoting growth. He suggested that India should enter the World Cup with a young team, drawing parallels to the successful strategy employed in the 2007 edition of the competition.

Kohli's innings proved crucial in the match as he dismantled the Punjab Kings' bowling attack, steering RCB to a four-wicket victory. His aggressive knock of 77 runs off 49 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, showcased his dominance at the crease at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Virat Kohli's brilliant half-century propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thrilling four-wicket victory against Punjab Kings in an IPL encounter. Despite a demanding target of 177 runs on a challenging pitch, Kohli's composed 77-run knock ensured RCB's victory with four balls remaining. Dinesh Karthik's unbeaten 28 off 10 deliveries and Mahipal Lomror's rapid 17 not out provided vital support during the chase. Kohli's innings showcased his prowess with sublime strokes and aggressive batting, securing RCB's first win of the tournament.

Earlier, Punjab Kings managed 176/6 with notable contributions from Dhawan, Jitesh, and Prabhsimran after RCB elected to bowl. Siraj and Maxwell claimed two wickets each. Despite a shaky start, Punjab Kings recovered, but their total fell short to pose a significant challenge to RCB.