If Agarkar believes that Indian T20 team is better off without Kohli or Rahul, that's how he should deliver: Michael Vaughan

As the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is underway, all eyes are on the impending India's T20 World Cup squad. One of the key talking points has been the future of star batter Virat Kohli in India's T20 setup. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has sent out a message to the chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Ajit Agarkar, urging him to be brave in his decision-making.

Kohli, who has been a linchpin of the Indian team across formats, found himself out of India's T20I side for almost one and a half in 2023. While he made a comeback in the final series against Afghanistan in January, his form and place in the team have been subject to intense scrutiny.

A recent report by The Telegraph suggested that Kohli might have to deliver consistently in the IPL to secure his spot in the T20 World Cup squad. Weighing in on the debate, Vaughan believes that Agarkar should not be afraid to make tough calls, even if it means excluding the legendary Kohli.

“What I'll say to Ajit Agarkar (is) don't be scared of being brave. If he ultimately believes that the Indian T20 team is better off without a Virat Kohli or a KL Rahul, that's how he should deliver the team,” Vaughan told Cricbuzz.

Also read: Virat Kohli’s IPL Records and Stats against Rajasthan Royals

Don't be under pressure that you have to pick all the big names: Michael Vaughan 

The former England captain further argued that a fresh set of players might just be the key to India's success in ICC tournaments. The last time India lifted an ICC trophy was in 2013 when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side won the Champions Trophy. 

“Don't be under pressure that you have to pick all the big names, because you know they haven't been winning trophies. And it might be that a fresher set of minds with no baggage of losing in November (2023 World Cup), no baggage of not doing great in the last T20 World Cup, maybe they need a fresh set of minds. He's probably got 30 names, that he can put in the bag, he'd pull out the bowlers, batters, spinners, and whoever he pulls out, they're going to be competitive,” said Vaughan further.

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Kohli has been in great form and currently holds the Orange Cap with 203 runs to his name in four matches. He will next be seen in action on April 06 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.