Former India player Robin Uthappa expresses confidence that Virat Kohli will excel in the Champions Trophy, alongside teammates Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, despite recent criticisms of Kohli’s Test form. Kohli, aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, remains focused on scoring heavily. With India’s campaign starting against Bangladesh, Uthappa emphasizes the importance of gathering information about conditions. He believes that the current team, including Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh, has the potential to outperform their rivals, especially Pakistan. Uthappa feels this tournament may be significant for veterans Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
According to former Indian player Robin Uthappa, Virat Kohli is set to find his run-scoring form again in the Champions Trophy, leading the batting alongside Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Despite recent challenges in Test cricket, the 36-year-old Kohli has no intentions of retiring and is aiming for participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. “I believe Virat will score a lot this year, and I think he’s on the verge of that. He’s close to getting back to form, and I expect him to start accumulating runs very soon,” Uthappa, who has played alongside Kohli for India and RCB, shared in an exclusive PTI Videos interview on Wednesday.
“We’re accustomed to seeing the high standard of runs that Virat typically scores. So, I believe it’s just a matter of time,” he noted.
Kohli has been under scrutiny due to his recent Test performances, having struggled during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, particularly after a lone century in the series opener in Perth, often getting out to balls angling outside the off-stump.
India, one of the title contenders, will kick off their Champions Trophy journey with a match against Bangladesh on Thursday.
“I think (Mohammed) Shami will be eager to get back into action. He has been away for some time and has just returned to play. Arshdeep (Singh) will also be looking to make an impact, as he will want to redeem his previous performance against Pakistan at this venue,” Uthappa remarked.
After Pakistan’s narrow victory over India in the Asia Cup Super Four match at this venue in 2022, Arshdeep faced a barrage of negative comments from some fans.
When asked about India’s prospects in the tournament, Uthappa expressed confidence.
“Oh, very promising. This could potentially be the last ICC tournament for Rohit and Virat, or at least one of the final chances we might see them together,” he said.
“Therefore, I think they will strive to make it count, as will every member of the team. They will work hard to bring home the trophy.” While India is considered a favorite, Uthappa acknowledged that their opening match against Bangladesh will be challenging.
Regarding India’s opener, he stated: “I don’t think it will be an easy match. Respect will be given where it’s deserved. However, there has not been a significant amount of one-day cricket played recently in Dubai. Thus, tomorrow’s game will heavily focus on gathering valuable information.”
“As India plays all the league matches here, they will aim to collect as much information as possible regarding wicket behavior, the conditions, and whether it’s better to chase or bat first. I expect them to approach tomorrow’s game with an open mind to gather insights while playing good cricket to secure a win.” While India starts their campaign against Bangladesh, all eyes are on their match against traditional rivals Pakistan on March 23.
“Pakistan is a highly unpredictable team, and their performance can vary from day to day. They certainly have the potential, but I don’t believe they surpass the Indian cricket team in that regard.”
“The potential we possess as a team, both individually and collectively, is enormous. Despite the absence of superstar Jaspreet Bumrah, I am confident we have enough depth to defeat Pakistan.” Uthappa praised players like Gill, Iyer, and Hardik Pandya.
“Shubman is in outstanding form, and I believe Shreyas Iyer is also performing well. Both will play crucial roles in advancing India in this tournament.”
“The contributions of Hardik, Jadeja, and Axar are equally significant, and they have been executing their roles effectively. They constitute a strong all-rounder lineup, and I expect them to give their best,” Uthappa added.
In conclusion, he highlighted that Arshdeep could be India’s “trump card” in the tournament.
“I believe so. I think India will secure this one.”
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