ODI World Cup 2023: Former England star gives unusual advice to Virat Kohli

Star batsman Virat Kohli will have to play an important role to give any kind of chance to hosts India in the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

Meanwhile, former England spinner Monty Panesar has emphasized the importance of Kohli peaking at the right time for India’s World Cup aspirations. Panesar feels Kohli will have a leading role to play in the tournament.

“Kohli’s presence is going to be absolutely huge for this Indian team. The star batsman will be setting the trend when it comes to batting -- the intensity, running. He senses a moment on the field. He grabs the whole team and tells that it is the winning moment, and let’s grab it,” said Panesar during an interview.

Kohli will take part in his fourth World Cup and Panesar believes that the star batsman would reserve his best for the knockout phase.

“I like to see Kohli peak at the right time. He peaked too early in last year’s T20 World Cup. I think he peaked too early during the group stages. He played an innings that was worthy of a final against Pakistan in the group match. This time I hope he saves it for the final or for the semifinal,” said the former spinner.

Notably, in a high-voltage T20 World Cup match against Pakistan last year, Kohli showcased his mettle by scoring an unbeaten 82. However, despite such an electrifying start, India faltered when it mattered the most, losing to England in the all-important semi-final by a huge margin of 10 wickets.