India captain Virat Kohli heaped praise on England all-rounder Jofra Archer and said it would be a delight to watch him play at the ICC World Cup 2019. Archer said he wants to take Kohli's wicket at the World Cup after failing to do so in IPL 2019
London: India captain Virat Kohli has chosen an England player who be the hosts’ “X-factor” at the ICC World Cup 2019 which will be played from May 30 to July 14.
Kohli, who spoke to the media on Thursday (May 23) along with the other nine captains at the World Cup, heaped praise on England all-rounder Jofra Archer.
Also read: Full list of TV channels for each country to watch World Cup 2019
“I think he’s probably going to be their X-factor, because he holds a skillset that’s very different from anyone else. He can generate a lot of pace, which can be intimidating. You don’t really expect that because of his run-up,” Kohli opined about the 24-year-old, who played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Also read: Full schedule of India matches at World Cup with start times, live TV, streaming info
“And the way he’s built, he’s a great athlete. He’s going to be a delight to watch in the World Cup. I personally would be watching his bowling as well – whatever I’ve seen of him, he’s been very, very impressive,” Kohli added.
Archer, the Barbados-born right-arm fast bowler, was initially not picked in the England World Cup squad. But he made the final squad at the expense of David Willey as the hosts made three changes.
Also read: Highest-ever prize money awaits World Cup 2019 champions
The all-rounder had told Sky Sports that he would like to get Kohli’s wicket at the World Cup as he couldn’t do the same in IPL.
“I’d quite like to get Virat Kohli out because I wasn’t able to in the IPL,” he told Sky Sports.
When Kohli was told about this, the skipper said, “Did he say that? I had no idea – that’s news to me. It’s news to Morgs (Eoin Morgan) as well. We don’t really focus on these things. We don’t really focus on whether an individual wants to get you out or whether you’re spoken of more or things like that.
“Our focus is on contributing to the team. I take a lot of pride in performing for the team, and making impact performances in every game. If Jofra said that, it’s a big compliment. Because he himself is a world-class bowler.”
Also read: All the 10 squads for World Cup 2019
So far, Archer has played three ODIs and a lone T20I. All the four games were played this month.
It will be interesting to see how Archer bowls to Kohli when India and England face off on June 30 at Edgbaston.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.