India’s cricketing circles are abuzz with speculation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mulls over the possibility of omitting Virat Kohli from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The tournament, slated to take place in the USA and West Indies starting from June 1, has raised questions about Kohli’s role following India’s disheartening exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup.
After a crushing 10-wicket defeat against England in the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, Kohli took a hiatus from T20I matches, remaining absent for over a year. Despite his return earlier this year in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home, Kohli’s performances left much to be desired. In contrast, his counterpart Rohit Sharma, who has been named the team’s captain for the 2024 World Cup, displayed a commendable performance, scoring a half-century in the third match against Afghanistan.
The selection committee, under the leadership of Ajit Agarkar, is reportedly deliberating on Kohli’s inclusion, expressing concerns that the 35-year-old may no longer possess the requisite attributes for the shorter format. Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, confirmed Sharma’s presence in the upcoming World Cup but left Kohli’s fate uncertain.
Despite Kohli’s notable contributions as India’s standout player in recent T20I tournaments, the committee aims to make a decisive move, potentially leaving Kohli out of the squad. With India’s ICC tournament drought since 2013, the stakes are high, and Kohli might bear the brunt of this pivotal decision.
The cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the final decision of the selection committee, which could mark a significant turning point for one of India’s most iconic players in recent times.
