‘Test cricket needs Virat’: Lara says Kohli will be persuaded to not retire before England tour
New Delhi: West Indies batting great Brian Lara has voiced strong support for Virat Kohli to continue his Test career, amid reports that the Indian superstar recently expressed a desire to retire from the longest format of the game.
According to reports, the 36-year-old informed selectors of his intention to step away from Test cricket ahead of India’s five-match tour of England, scheduled to begin on June 20. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly urged the former captain to reconsider his decision.
Amid growing speculation, Lara urged that Kohli needed to be persuaded to stay on in the red-ball format. Posting a photo of himself with Kohli on Instagram, Lara wrote: "Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket." He further added that Kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career, underlining his confidence in Kohli's ability to remain a force in Test cricket.
Meanwhile, BCCI sources have reportedly stated that a “highly influential cricketing figure” is expected to reach out to Kohli in the coming days to convince him to stay on, especially with a high-profile England series on the horizon. Squad selection for the tour is expected around May 16.
Kohli, widely regarded as one of the modern greats, has played 210 Test innings, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of over 45, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, which stands as an extraordinary record that has defined India’s dominance in red-ball cricket.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
