London: Jofra Archer will be England’s x-factor in the upcoming World Cup because of his ‘very different’ skill-set reckons India skipper Virat Kohli, who himself is a target of the Barbados-born pacer.
Archer has played only three ODIs but has been an asset on the T20 circuit with his death bowling, which is expected to pose problems for visiting sides. “He is probably going to be their X factor. He holds a skill-set that is very different from the rest. He can generate a lot of pace and he is just a great athlete. I am sure England is delighted to have him. It would be exciting to watch him in the World Cup,” Kohli said at the official ICC press conference for the captains.
Archer, who had an impressive IPL for Rajasthan Royals, recently made his international debut, and has world’s No 1 batsman’s wicket on his wish-list. He recently said that he is eyeing Kohli wicket in World Cup.
“Jofra saying that is a big compliment because he himself is a world class bowler. The way he has come up in the last couple of years, I have seen him in the IPL, there is a good reason why he has been fast tracked into playing for England in a tournament like World Cup,” the Indian skipper added. However Kohli at the same time, made it clear that he is hardly bothered about a bowler’s goal.
“You don’t focus on these things. Even as an individual you don’t focus on who is wanting to get you out or you being spoken about. Our focus is mainly to contribute to the team in whatever way we can. I take a lot of pride in performing for the team, making impact performances for the team in every game.”
Kohli also praised the talented Rashid Khan, saying that it was the first time during the recently concluded IPL that he could read the Afghan’s deliveries, sitting in the RCB dug-out.
“I have seen him for three years now and this year was the first time I didn’t play against him. This was the first time that I could sit outside and predict 9 out of 10 balls that he bowled. Yes, it’s first time in three years and that’s how good he has been, Kohli complimented Rashid.
“He (Rashid) has been outstanding with his skills sets and pace on the ball is the key. Variations are really subtle and he doesn’t give you any time on the ball, let alone flight the ball and before you realise it hits the bat or through the pads and you get bowled or lbw or stuff like that,” said Kohli.
What Kohli likes most in Rashid’s bowling is his fast-bowler like aggression. “He brings that fast bowler like intensity as a spinner, which is rare to see. I love competitive guys and his attitude is absolutely outstanding. When he bowls well, you want to sit and watch him bowl. He will be very important for Afghanistan.”