Former India selector responds to Kapil Dev's 'Virat Kohli can be dropped' remark

Former India captain Kapil Dev's recent comments on Virat Kohli, have sparked quite a debate in world cricket. Based on Kohli's poor form in recent years, Kapil Dev, in a recent interview, has stated that if a bowler like Ravichandran Ashwin can be dropped from the Test line-up, then Kohli should be dropped as well. 

However, on Monday, former India selector Sarandeep Singh has now issued a response. 

In the absence of Kohli in the last two T20I series - against South Africa and Ireland - Deepak Hooda stepped up and did exceptionally well as a top-order batter, leading to discussions over the need for Virat Kohli in the Indian line-up. 

Hooda impressed the selectors with a stunning ton in Ireland and scored a quick-fire 33 in the first T20I against England. However, he lost his spot to Kohli, who returned to the Indian side after a break in the second T20I.

While speaking on Kohli's form and the debate surrounding his place on the Indian side, Kapil Dev told ABP News, "Play in-form players when you have loads of options. You can't just go by reputation, but you have to look for current form. You can be an established player but that doesn't mean that you will be given chances even if you fail five games in a row. If world No. 2 Test bowler Ashwin can be dropped from Test side then your No. 1 batter can also be dropped."

However, Sarandeep Singh disagreed with the former Indian skipper and said that Kohli could win India the World Cup single-handedly.

"What are the selectors doing to understand where is his batting going wrong? He shouldn't be dropped. Everybody knows his capabilities and his potential. He can single-handedly win you World Cups," he told Times Now.

Meanwhile, the veteran was also furious with the decision to rest Virat Kohli for the upcoming West Indies ODI series.

"Why is he being given rest then? What is this illogical way of selecting players? He plays one series then rest and then he plays another series. Make him play if he is not performing, that's the only way for him coming back to form," he further added.