The rumours that Virat Kohli would not be allowed to play in the T20 World Cup earlier this month shocked the cricket community. According to The Telegraph, the emergence of star power hitters in the Indian team puts doubt on the star batter’s spot in the World Cup squad. It goes on to say that in order to be considered for a seat in the renowned international tournament, which is held in the USA and the West Indies in June, Kohli must continue to put up great performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The former World Cup winner of India and cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad has made a strong statement regarding Virat Kohli’s position in the team among speculation surrounding the batting great’s spot in the shortest format. Using his official X, formerly Twitter, account, Azad hinted that skipper Rohit Sharma is determined to keep Kohli in the team no matter what, and that the World Cup final 15 will be confirmed soon.
“If reports are to be trusted, Ajit Agarkar did not convince the other selectors or himself. Jay Shah asked as well, but Rohit Sharma responded, “We need Virat Kohli at all costs.” The official announcement of Virat Kohli’s participation in the T20 World Cup would be made before to the team selection, according to Azad.
Similar to Rohit, Kohli had not played in the shortest format since the October–November 2022 T20 World Cup. His absence cleared the door for middle order players like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube, who put up strong performances and are still in the running for a place to the USA-West Indies.
When India played Afghanistan in a three-match series in January of this year, the great hitting combination returned to T20Is. India completed a 3-0 series sweep with Rohit scoring a good century in the third game after going wicketless in the first two. Kohli participated in two matches.
Hardik Pandya had led the Indian team in Twenty20 Internationals (2023) while Rohit was away.
Return of Kohli in the IPL:
In preparation for joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2023 Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli landed down in India on Saturday night. Since the Afghanistan T20Is, Kohli has not participated in competition. He pulled out of the England Test series to attend his son Akaay’s birth.
