‘Biggest load of rubbish…', Aaron Finch lashes out at Virat Kohli’s critics on veteran India batter's T20I future

Virat Kohli bagged the player of the match award following an excellent knock of 77 against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. At the post-match press conference, he said, “I’ve still got it, I guess,” and it was understood to be aimed at his detractors for questioning his position in India’s T20I squad. Kohli’s return to the IPL comes after he missed five-match Test series against England due to the birth of his second child. There have been numerous debates and deliberations over his spot in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Kohli showcased his class and ability with a blistering 49-ball 77 and after the match he reiterated that his prowess remains intact in T20 cricket. “I know my name is often associated with promoting T20 cricket worldwide. I guess I’ve still got it,” remarked Kohli.

Aaron Finch, who was speaking on ESPN’s Around the Wicket show, lashed out at Kohli’s critics for questioning the star India batter’s suitability for the T20 World Cup squad. “I can’t understand why every time there’s an ICC event coming up in any format, people always talk about Virat Kohli. Is he under pressure for his spot ? That is the biggest load of rubbish I’ve ever heard in my life,” said the ICC T20 World Cup-winning captain.

Also read: Virat Kohli achieves historic feat in IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings

Finch also said that Kohli is the greatest player in white-ball cricket and while his strike-rate might not be the same as others, he still can deliver in crucial moments and hence, he remained indispensable to the side.

Former Australian international Callum Ferguson too agreed with Finch and said that Kohli has always played a pivotal role in big games and tournaments. “You’ve only got to look at the way he’s managed big games, in big tournaments in the last two or three years to almost suggest he’s one of their most important players. So, he’s in that side for mine. Lock him away,” said Ferguson.

He also dismissed all arguments about Kohli’s strike rate and said that the former India skipper could switch his playing style as per the situation and ensure victory for his team, even at the cost of his strike rate.