ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli Feels Jofra Archer Can Be England’s X-Factor
May 29, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Indian captain Virat Kohli feels that the new English pace-bowling all-rounder Jofra Archer can be England’s X-factor in the upcoming Cricket World cup.
Recently, the 24-year-old Jofra Archer has wished to dismiss the no.1-ranked Test and ODI batsman Virat Kohli in the forthcoming Cricket World Cup. As he has failed to dismiss him in the IPL, Archer is desperate to take this special wicket in the upcoming tournament.
However, the Indian captain Virat Kohli wasn’t aware of this wish. After knowing this, Kohli called Archer as a world-class bowler.
Kohli said on this matter, “Did he say that? I had no idea – that’s news to me. It’s news to Morgs 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.”
Virat Kohli likes Jofra Archer’s IPL performances
Barbados-born Jofra Archer has recently made his international cricket debut. However, he has already played in two IPL seasons (2018 and 2019) for Rajasthan Royals (RR). The right-arm pacer took 15 and 11 wickets in IPL 2018 (10 matches) and IPL 2019 (11 matches) seasons respectively.
Observing him closely in the IPL, Kohli feels that Archer deserves to feature in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Kohli said, “The way he’s come about in the IPL the last couple of years I’ve seen him, there’s good reason why he was fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World Cup.”
Initially, Archer was not in England’s 15-member Cricket World Cup squad. He made his international cricket debut in early this month. After impressing through his initial performances, Archer has finally earned the World Cup call-up.
Kohli feels that Archer can be England’s X-factor in the upcoming Cricket World Cup. Archer’s bowling skills have hugely impressed the Indian captain.
Kohli said, “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.
“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.”
Eoin Morgan also lauded Jofra Archer
Meanwhile, the English limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan has also highly praised his young team member Jofra Archer. Morgan has claimed that Archer’s impressive cricket provides various options in different areas. The English captain is very excited to see Archer in the upcoming challenging matches.
Eoin Morgan said, “Nothing’s surprised me about him. He’s come in and performed exactly how he has been around the world. He’s impressive in all three parts of a 50-over game, he gives you an option in different areas, and obviously has that extra bit of pace.
“It is a huge opportunity. The guy is very young, very ambitious, very confident, wants to play international cricket for England. That’s extremely exciting. He’s at the very start of his international career, and it so happens that it’s at the start of the World Cup and Ashes year, and he could potentially have lots of time playing. It’s extremely exciting.”
England and Wales will host the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup from 30th May to 14th July. While England is the no.1-ranked ODI team, India is the no.2-ranked ODI team and both are the hot favourites for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
In this tournament, England and India will face each other on 30th June at Birmingham.