Hemang Badani’s 5-word reply to journalist’s tweet on Virat Kohli

Ace batsman and former Indian captain Virat Kohli is in the midst of his worst form ever. The great man’s poor run has attracted criticism and worries from all factions of the cricketing world. Former cricketers like Kapil Dev and Venkatesh Prasad have also suggested that Kohli can be dropped from the T20 World Cup 2022 squad if he fails to perform.

On the other hand, Kohli has also found support from many players, including legends like Sunil Gavaskar, who believe that he’s just a fine knock away from regaining his form. This time around, former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani has come forward in Kohli’s defence. In reply to a journalist’s tweet on Kohli, Badani asked the journo to leave Kohli alone.

Hemang Badani, the former India left-handed batter, responded to a tweet posted by veteran journalist Vijay Lokapally, who has authored a book about Kohli’s rise to international cricket. Lokapally wondered “What should he do to become the Virat Kohli we knew him to be?”


Badani, in response, simply asked for Kohli to be given the time and space to find his way back into form: “Leave the man alone. Period!”


Virat Kohli’s last century came way back on November 22, 2019, against Bangladesh. His last ton in ODIs came on August 14, 2019, and in T20s came on April 19, 2019. In 2020, Kohli’s ODI average was 47.88, his lowest since 2011, while his Test average dipped to 19.33, his worst ever. Since then, Virat Kohli has not recovered. Kohli’s poor form continued in 2022 as well, with the former Indian captain failing to make an impact in the ongoing tour of England.