Leave Kohli alone: Borde bats for struggling RCB captain

Chandu Borde bats during the launch of a cricket academy at Global Indian International School in Abu Dhabi.

Former India captain Chandrakant 'Chandu' Borde has backed current India skipper Virat Kohli who is under fire after the Royal Challengers Bangalore failed to win a single match so far in this edition of the Indian Premier League.
As RCB's chances of making the IPL playoffs remain grim, former England skipper Michael Vaughan has suggested that Kohli should take a break before the ICC World Cup that starts next month.
However, Borde, the two-time former chairman of the Indian national selection committee, said Kohli should be left alone.
"Kohli is a great cricketer. I think he knows what to do and when to do. He will decide his future plan. He is very talented and knows what he is doing," said Borde while inaugurating the Chandu Borde Cricket Academy at Global Indian International School in Abu Dhabi.
With the BCCI set to announce the Indian team for the World Cup on April 15, Borde didn't name any individual but said there were lots of talented cricketers and at the end performance will be the criteria to bag a ticket to the UK.
"The present lot is showing a lot of progress. There are nearly 20 players who are knocking on the door. They are all excellent talent. At the end it will be performance which will help them get selection. Those who will perform will be selected," he said.
The 84-year-old veteran has picked India, South Africa and England as frontrunners to lift the Cup.
"Since the World Cup will be played in the UK, lot will depend on the conditions there. Those players who will get acclimatised quickly to the situation and the wickets will perform well," he said.
"I think India is one of the teams which can win the Cup. South Africans are coming up very nicely. England too since they are playing in their own country and are used to the climatic conditions. Plus this tournament is such that whoever plays well on the particular day will win."
Borde said India keep unearthing new talents because of the country's robust cricket academy structure.
"The talent in India is excellent as academies are teaching youngsters. I am happy their foundations are been taken care of. Also lots of cricket tournaments have been arranged and scientific progress has been done. The government, the cricket board and other associations are giving them proper facilities. That is the main reason so many youngsters are coming up in the country now," he said.
Borde, the president and co-founder of Global Schools Foundation, hoped the new academy in Abu Dhabi and Dubai campus will promote the game further in the UAE.
"The aim of this academy is to give opportunities to players and help them progress. Playing more matches will be an advantage. Every year, Global Indian International School holds a tournament. We play in Singapore or arrange either in Pune or some other place where facilities are available. This gives them exposure and support so they can become good cricketers," he added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com