"He will perform like champion player...": Virat Kohli's childhood coach expresses optimism ahead of Champions Trophy

New Delhi [India], February 17 (ANI): Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, Rajkumar Sharma, the childhood coach of Virat Kohli, has expressed optimism that the star batter will overcome a string of poor scores and perform like a "champion player" he has been for the country over the years.
Rajkumar spoke to ANI on the sidelines of The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL), which is supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism.
"Just because some matches went bad, does not mean the player is out-of-touch. When you look at his previous records, you will see what he did for the country. I believe that he will be performing like the champion player he always has been," Rajkumar said.
Virat was in action during the ODI series against England, which concluded on Wednesday.
After missing the first ODI due to a knee injury, he scored five and 52 in the remaining matches.
In the Champions Trophy starting February 19, Virat will aim to overcome his prolonged slump in form.
Speaking about pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who is missing the tournament due to back injury sustained during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia earlier this year, Rajkumar said that India will miss him because of his ability to give breakthroughs in initial stages and performing well in death overs. He has been replaced by young pacer Harshit Rana.
"It is unfortunate because Bumrah is our ace fast-bowler and his presence will be missed. I consider him as number one bowler as he brings breakthroughs in initial stages and does well in death overs too," said Rajkumar.
On team's overall chances at the tournament, Rajkumar said, "The chances are really there and India is among the favourites. The team is very strong."
India's squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Non-travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube. The three players will travel to Dubai as and when required. (ANI)