"Maybe Virat Kohli Will Miss IPL Too," Sunil Gavaskar's Taunting Comment Gives Rise To Rumours

With Virat Kohli missing the recent Test series against England due to personal reasons, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar speculated on Monday whether the star batter would play in the next Indian Premier League. The IPL 24 will begin on March 22 in Chepauk, with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Initially nominated to the Indian Test team, the RCB talisman withdrew before the first game in Hyderabad. Earlier this month, the cricketer and wife Anushka Sharma announced the birth of their second child.

"Kya woh khelenge... kuchh reason ke liye khel nahin rahe hain, shaayad ho sakta hai ke IPL ke liye bhi na khele (Will he play... He is not playing because of some reason, perhaps he may not play in IPL as well),"

Gavaskar said the above statement while having n interaction with the students of IIM Ranchi. He said cheekily when asked if Kohli would be hungry for runs in the IPL as he would be returning to action after a long break.

Jurel could be a star -

According to Gavaskar, wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel of the Rajasthan Royals could be one of the IPL's biggest stars this season.
Jurel, in only his second Test, was named Man of the Match after scoring 90 and 39 not out in India's series-clinching five-wicket victory over England.

He could be promoted up the order. Jurel could be the superstar after this performance in the Test matches. Even Akash Deep could get more exposure in RCB and play the role of the death-over specialist which they were missing last season.

Gavaskar also praised Mumbai Indians' decision to make Hardik Pandya captain, allowing Rohit Sharma to bat freely without the added responsibility of guiding the team.

To allow Rohit to play purely as a batter... it has been a busy season for him, first the World Cup, and now this series.

This will give him the freedom to play without worrying about other players. My feeling is that it will work very well for Mumbai Indians.

For Hardik to have someone like Rohit to turn to would be invaluable. Hardik will enjoy having Rohit as 'captain'.

Gavaskar on Rishabh Pant's comeback -

Gavaskar is particularly thrilled & happy that his favourite player, Rishabh Pant, will be making his long-awaited comeback after surviving a fatal accident.

I'm also a big fan of him. For me the most important thing, is he should be healthy like before, so that he can come and entertain us.

It will be very difficult for him and it will take some time for him to get that batting fluency. But good that he has started training.

Knee plays a pivotal role in batting as well as keeping which of course he may not do initially. Maybe he won't be the usual Rishabh Pant that we are used to seeing.
~Gavaskar said

He certainly can think on his feet. If he gets back to full fitness, the reins of (Delhi Capitals) captaincy should be handed over to him.

Let's stay hopeful. This season is first of him coming back to full fitness. Let's not rush him into doing something that will be a setback.
~he added