India captain Virat Kohli has had a tense encounter with a journalist over the decision to select Rohit Sharma instead of rising opening batter Ishan Kishan for the side’s first T20 World Cup match.
India were defeated by Pakistan for the first time at a World Cup – T20I or ODI – on the back of an exceptional opening partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.
The Pakistan batters scored 79 and 68 respectively as they led the underdogs to a 10-wicket win, chasing India’s 151 in 17.5 overs.
A journalist then questioned Kohli over the call to play Sharma instead of Kishan during the skipper’s post-match media conference, after Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck at the top of the order.
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The journalist’s question was based on Sharma’s first-ball duck and Kishan’s impressive display in India’s first warm-up match, in which the 23-year-old belted an unbeaten 70 from 46 balls against England.
“My question regarding the selection of the team… Ishan Kishan has played very well in the warm-up matches,” the journalist said.
“So, do you think that it’s some mistake that Ishan Kishan (wasn’t picked) if he can do better than Rohit Sharma (in the warm-up matches)?”
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Kohli challenged the journalist.
“It’s a very brave question,” Kohli said.
“What do you think, sir?”
Journalist: “I’m asking you, sir.”
Kohli: “I played the team that I thought was the best. What is your opinion?”
Journalist: “No. I’m just asking you.”
Kohli then settled the debate.
“Will you drop Rohit Sharma from T20 internationals? Will you drop Rohit Sharma? Do you know what he did in the last game that we played?” Kohli said.
India’s captain was alluding to Sharma’s unbeaten 60 from 41 balls in his side’s warm-up match against Australia.
“Unbelievable,” Kohli added, planting his head in his left hand as he laughed in frustration.
“If you want controversy please tell me before so I can answer accordingly.”
Sharma, 34, has made 2864 runs at 32.17 from 112 T20 internationals.
The right-hander has had greater success in ODIs, having compiled 9205 runs at 48.96 from 227 games.
Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata in 2014 remains the highest individual score in an ODI.
In India’s next World Cup fixture, they will play New Zealand in Dubai next Monday.