London, Jul 15 (IANS): Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has backed Kapil Dev's comments on star batter Virat Kohli's form, who is at present going through a lean patch.

Following the continuation of Kohli's disappointing form in the white-ball setup, World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev, while speaking to the media last week, had said if spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could be dropped from the Test, then Virat could be dropped from the T20I squad.

Kaneria too echoed what Kapil Dev feels, as he has questioned the decision to play Kohli despite the batter going through a lean patch.

The former Pakistan spinner has also come out in support of Deepak Hooda, who has not been included in the playing XI, despite being in top form in the white-ball setup.

"When world class off spinner Ashwin can be dropped then why not Virat where is Deepak Hooda why the selection committee and management playing with carriers of Indian talented cricketers. Who is the person playing Ludo with Indian and fans of Indian team, Arshdeep, Deepak Hooda and Surya needs to give them full confident they are back bone of Indian Cricket," Kaneria said exclusively on the Koo App.

Meanwhile, current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has backed Kohli following the India batter's lean patch in the second ODI against England.

After missing the first ODI due to a groin injury, the former India skipper scored 16 at Lord's on Thursday.

"This too shall pass. Stay strong. #ViratKohli," Babar shared a picture of him with Kohli.

India skipper Rohit Sharma has also backed Kohli to come good in the games ahead after the conclusion of the second ODI.

"He (Kohli) has played so many matches. He is playing for so many years. He is such a great batsman so he does not need reassurance," Rohit said in a post-match press conference on Thursday.

With a 100-run win against India, England have now levelled the series 1-1 and the two teams will now lock horns with each other in the third ODI on Sunday.