WATCH: After smashing Virat Kohli for 28 runs in 2012 IPL, Albie Morkel gives sensible opinion on ex-India skipper bowling on birthday in World Cup match vs South Africa

Badrinath and Morkel said that Kohli should bowl only if he wants to against South Africa, given that it's a World Cup match.

WATCH: After smashing Virat Kohli for 28 runs in 2012 IPL, Albie Morkel gives sensible opinion on ex-India skipper bowling on birthday in World Cup match vs South Africa

Albie Morkel, Virat Kohli (Images via ESPNcricinfo, NDTV)

Virat Kohli is celebrating his 35 birthday on Sunday, November 5. On this day, India are also locking horns with South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Ahead of the match, former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath and former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel expressed their desire to see Kohli bowling to the South African batters.

Kohli had bowled during the match against Bangladesh when Hardik Pandya left the field while injuring himself. Then, during a match in Mumbai, the Wankhede crowd was cheering to see the 35-year-old bowl to Sri Lanka, where India had bundled out Kusal Mendis and Co. for a mere 55 runs in 19.4 overs.

YouTube video

Though Kohli did not bowl during the match, Badrinath and Morkel said that Kohli should bowl only if he wants to against South Africa, given that it’s a World Cup match. Back in 2012, during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kohli bowled in the penultimate over when the Yellow Jersey needed 43 runs in two overs to win. Kohli was hit for 28 runs by Morkel and the latter then guided his team to victory.

I think it's unfair to him. Unless he wants to bowl, Badri. I'm sure the captain won't make a big call like that. If he wants to bowl, give it to him. He should bowl and come and redeem himself.
Morkel told Badrinath on the latter’s YouTube channel, Cric It With Badri.

Watch the video here:

Nasser Hussain wants Virat Kohli to stay focused amidst the buzz surrounding his 49th ODI century

Virat Kohli’s century against Bangladesh during the ongoing World Cup was his 48th ton in ODIs. He missed reaching his 49th century two times, getting dismissed for 95 and 88 runs respectively.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

Amid the buzz surrounding Kohli’s 49 tons, former England captain Nasser Hussain urged Kohli to stay focused on winning the World Cup. Hussain said Kohli will eventually reach as many tons as he wants to, but right now his focus should be on securing the coveted cup for India.

India shouldn't overly emphasize its 49th century.
Hussain said on Star Sports.

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