It has been reported that the selectors from the Board of Control for Cricket in India may decide not to include India’s most popular player, Virat Kohli, in the squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is about two months away.
When the big tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the USA and the West Indies, starts on June 2, Rohit Sharma will be leading the Indian cricket team, as BCCI secretary Jay had confirmed earlier in March.
It’s unclear if Virat Kohli will be included in the Indian team, according to a report that The Telegraph published.
India last won the Champions Trophy, which was followed by an ICC trophy, in 2013. India struggled to win an ICC trophy after that, which may have prompted the selectors to make a few difficult choices, such as leaving out Kohli.
The report suggests that selectors feel that Kohli has not performed at his peak in the Twenty20 format. Nevertheless, they might reconsider their approach if ‘King Kohli’ roars to life in the forthcoming Indian Premier League 2024.
Since the birth of his second child, Kohli has taken a break from the five-Test series against England. India won the series 4-1 without him.
An insider told the report that “it remains a very delicate matter and not many (in the BCCI) are willing to get involved.” Ajit Agarkar, the chief of the selection board, will make the final decision.
It further mentioned that Agarkar had previously discussed the matter with Kohli, informing him that certain adjustments were necessary to satisfy the team’s requirements and the format.
It is anticipated that the players’ performance in the Indian Premier League and their ability to withstand pressure will be taken into consideration when choosing the final squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
