The latest reports suggest that Virat Kohli might not find a spot in the India squad for the ICC T20 World Cup later this year. The former captain made a return to the T20 team in January after being absent for over a year. However, his recent performances have raised doubts about his inclusion in the squad.
Rohit Sharma, who also made a comeback in the T20I team against Afghanistan, has confirmed his participation in the T20 World Cup, according to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s spot is reportedly uncertain. Despite his return against Afghanistan, where he scored 29 and 0 in two outings, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar is hesitant to include him.
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Sources suggest that the selectors and team management believe Kohli has struggled to adapt to the team’s T20 requirements. The decision on Kohli’s participation in the T20 World Cup has been left to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who is reportedly open to making bold calls to improve India’s chances in the tournament.
Virat Kohli unlikely for T20 World Cup. The national selectors believe he hasn’t been able to cope with the team’s needs in the shortest format and that the slow wickets in the West Indies wouldn’t suit him. [The Telegraph]#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/wvgKJphyiO
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) March 12, 2024
According to reports, Virat Kohli could secure his spot in the T20 World Cup squad only if he performs exceptionally well in the upcoming IPL 2024. Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube are currently considered ahead of Kohli in the pecking order. Additionally, concerns about the slow wickets in the West Indies not suiting Kohli’s playing style have further fueled speculation about his inclusion.
“It is also believed that the slow wickets in the West Indies wouldn’t suit him. The selectors have been toying with the idea for some time now, and there has been nothing to suggest a change in plans,” the report stated.
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The provisional squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be submitted to the ICC in the first week of May. India, placed in Group A, will begin their campaign against Ireland on June 5, along with Pakistan, USA, and Canada.
