IND vs SL 2023: Saba Karim surprised by Virat Kohli’s absence from T20I series

Flamboyant India batter Virat Kohli’s absence from India's T20I squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka series came as a ‘shock’ to former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim. The former cricketer opined that it was Kohli who guided the Men in Blue to a win in the high-octane clash against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022.

The former India skipper was a key architect in India’s sensational win over Pakistan in the marquee event as he scored an unbeaten 82 runs in the final-ball thriller. Karim was left astounded by Virat's absence from the squad ahead of the series against the Lankan Lions despite his terrific batting exploits in recent times in the shortest format.

"Virat Kohli's exclusion came as a big surprise. He was given a particular role in T20Is, and he was exceptional in that. We would have lost to Pakistan if he hadn't been there at the T20 World Cup. He is one such player who has given the team great stability in the format. Apart from Kohli, all the other absentees have missed out due to their underwhelming performances,” Karim was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Exclusion from SL series doesn’t mean players won’t make a comeback: Saba Karim

Saba further stated that the non-selection of certain players in the Sri Lanka series does not necessarily mean that the doors are closed.

"It doesn't mean that players who aren't a part of the T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series won't be able to make a comeback. If some of the new guys don't do well, they will have to replace them. So, the likes of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant can return to the team if that happens,” added Karim.

Kohli amassed 781 runs in the 20 T20Is he featured in the year 2022, including one century and eight half-centuries. It remains to be seen that when does the swashbuckling right-hander re-joins the T20I group post the Sri Lanka series.