Jofra Archer England’s 'X factor' player – Virat Kohli

Kohli was speaking during the Captain’s Day in London, alongside the skippers of the other nine teams, when it was put to him that Archer, after being confirmed in England’s final 15-man squad, had said he was eyeing the Indian captain’s wicket. “I’d quite like to get Virat Kohli out because I wasn’t able to in the IPL,” he told Sky Sports.

Kohli wasn’t aware of that, but the Indian captain made it a point to laud the all-rounder, who was fast-tracked into the England squad for the tournament, having not played an ODI prior to the naming of their preliminary squad.

“Did he say that? I had no idea – that’s news to me. It’s news to Morgs as well,” Kohli said with a smile. “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.”

Kohli went on describe his observations of Archer during their clashes in the Indian Premier League. “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,” said Kohli.

“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, the England captain, who was sat right next to Kohli, concurred and added that it was a huge opportunity for Archer. “Nothing’s surprised me about him. He’s come in and performed exactly how he has been around the world,” said Morgan. “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.”