Excerpts: Q: Since the India-England ODI series is level at 1-1, who are you backing in the third and final game? A: Conditions play a big part. In the first one-dayer, there were obviously overcast conditions which helped the ball swing a bit more. And the one at Lord's was a really interesting one because the new ball plays a big part. I think the new ball comes early; if it's swinging or doing something, you know, you pick up wickets. So, it very much depends on how the conditions are on the day.
Q: What are your views on England's current white-ball form?A: Yeah, they are performing really well. They obviously found a sort of inconsistent form at the moment but it was really good in the second one-dayer. They were able to put pressure on India so it was good to see.
Q: Has Eoin Morgan taken the decision to retire early considering the 50-over World Cup next year?A: I think Morgan felt he did the right thing. Because he wasn't in great form, and whenever you feel that you're not adding value to the team, you tend to sort of think 'that's it', you know. I don't think someone like Virat Kohli would do that because I think he would want to play the T20 (World Cup). And also the (50-over) World Cup in India, so that will be important for him. But, maybe, after that, he may hang up his boots. He's obviously a great cricketer and has the decisions in his hands.
Q: Many cricketers go through a lean patch. Is Virat Kohli going through the same? Is dropping him the solution for the India team management?A: Well, I think Virat is such a big player, unbelievable captain, top batsman in his time. India may have to think and decide how best they can utilise Virat now. You know, relying on that same player that was two-three years ago or he's a different player now, and you know that same situation when MS Dhoni dropped some of the big guns.Rohit and Rahul Dravid, do they have that courage to say actually, you know, it's time to move on now. They have to think he's not that same cricketer anymore. We've given him so many chances, but he's just not the same level that we expect him to be. He may be a big brand but he's, you know, like in soccer Manchester United's Christian Ronaldo was an individual player but he didn't really help the team. At the moment, is Virat Kohli helping India? That's the biggest question that Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid need to answer.
--IANScs/akm
(Disclaimer: This post has been auto published from IANS news agency without any modification to the text and has not been reviewed by editor)
