Mohammad Kaif says Virat Kohli can’t be forced to play the Vijay Hazare trophy

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has opined that Virat Kohli can’t be forced to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In fact, Kohli has confirmed his availability for the domestic 50-over tournament, according to Cricbuzz.

BCCI has made it mandatory for the contracted players to play in the domestic tournaments. Meanwhile, Kohli has been in sensational form, scoring 135 runs off just 120 balls in the opening ODI at Ranchi. This was Kohli’s 52nd ODI, which helped him go past Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of centuries. 

Kohli continued his rich form in the second ODI against the Proteas, scoring 102 runs off 93 balls at Raipur. The veteran batter has all the experience under his belt and he has been consistently delivering the goods for the team.

“In white-ball cricket, players do not have to make many changes. Kohli came after 35 days, and see how he played. He hit so many sixes as well. He showed he is the boss in this format. If he can bat like this and not look rusty and dominate bowlers after a gap, then I don’t think you can force him to go play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The quality is also not high there,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif added that the final decision to play in the domestic circuit must be left on Kohli’s shoulders.

“He can play if he wishes to; you have to leave it to him. You cannot tell him to do something; you can ask him. You should keep the door open for such special players, given the level he is at. He gave that example in Ranchi. Do not treat every player the same way,” he added.

The former UP batter said big coaches should handle players like Virat Kohli in a different way and give them all they need, rather than force things upon them.

“Big coaches always ask players what they want. Especially with such players, they ask them if they want to come for extra practice and then make arrangements if needed. And all this does not happen in public, these talks about behind the scenes. Big coaches prepare players like this to get the best out of them rather than force things upon them. This does not apply to Virat, and you have to understand that,” Kaif said.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy will run from December 24 to January 18.