Virat Kohli's Rajkumar Sharma is confident that the former Indian skipper will be back to his best during the Champions Trophy as he is a champion player who thrives under pressure with big goals. The batting maestro has not been at his best in the last few months and is struggling to regain rhythm. He endured a tough red-ball season where he struggled miserably against New Zealand at home and Australia Down under. The 36-year-old returned to white-ball action earlier this month against England in a three-match ODI series. He missed the first ODI due to discomfort in his knee and then flopped in the second ODI at Cuttack. However, the former skipper regained some momentum and scored a fifty in the final match of the series at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Rajkumar, who has often come in support of Kohli, said that the 36-year-old will once again roll back the years in the Champions Trophy when the stakes are high.

"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 spoke to ANI on the sidelines of The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL), which is supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism.

‘Bumrah’s presence will be missed'

India will commence their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah for this significant event, as the leading pacer was unable to recover in time, leading to Harshit Rana being named as his replacement. Bumrah suffered a back injury during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has since been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, where he was deemed unfit for the Champions Trophy.

Rajkumar expressed that India will feel Bumrah's absence due to his capability to secure early breakthroughs and excel in the final overs.

"It is regrettable that Bumrah, our premier fast-bowler, will not be participating. I regard him as the top bowler, as he consistently provides breakthroughs in the early stages and performs admirably in the death overs as well."

Regarding the team's overall prospects in the tournament, Rajkumar stated, "India has a strong chance and is considered one of the favorites. The team is exceptionally robust."

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