Similar to Rohit, Kohli had not played in the shortest format since the October–November 2022 T20 World Cup.
Digital Desk: The reports of Virat Kohli being possibly excluded from the T20 World Cup created shockwaves among the cricket fraternity.
According to The Telegraph, the emergence of star power hitters in the Indian team has cast 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 prestigious international competition, 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).
Indian batting legend Kirti Azad, a former World Cup winner who is now a politician, has made a strong statement regarding Virat Kohli's position in the team amidst the rumors surrounding his place in the shortest format. Via his official X, formerly Twitter, account, Azad hinted that team captain Rohit Sharma wants to have Kohli in the final 15 of the World Cup and that the confirmation of this will come shortly.
“If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection,” Azad wrote.
Similar to Rohit, Kohli had not played in the shortest format since the October–November 2022 T20 World Cup. His absence opened 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 in 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 absent.
Return of Kohli in the IPL
In preparation for joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2023 Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli touched down in India on Saturday night. Since the Afghanistan T20Is, Kohli has not participated in the competition. He opted out of the England Test series to attend his son Akaay's birth.
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