The 2024 T20 World Cup is approaching and questions have arisen regarding Virat Kohli’s place in the Indian cricket team’s squad as there have been rumours that the 35-year-old may get dropped.
Currently the top scorer of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kohli continues his excellent form as he has amassed over 300 runs in just five innings and has also scored a century. However, there have been concerns about his strike rate which cast doubts on his participation in the upcoming World Cup.
As per Crizbuzz, it is almost a “certainty” that Kohli will be a part of India’s squad as there is “no way” he would be left out despite conversations regarding his underwhelming strike rate.
The report further stated that with Kohli’s place all but confirmed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are trying to find ways to accommodate Shubman Gill.
Rohit Sharma will open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kohli will occupy the number three spot, which has made things difficult for Gill as he has played as an opener so far in his career.
Another dilemma for the Indian selectors is Rishabh Pant, who made his long-awaited comeback to professional in the IPL 2024 after staying on the sidelines following the deadly accident in December 2022.
Pant has an edge over his competitors Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma and KL Rahul in the IPL 2024 as he has so far scored 153 runs in five matches for Delhi Capitals (DC).
DC’s director Saurav Ganguly also weighed in on Pant’s selection for international cricket saying that we should wait for a few more matches.
"Let a few more matches go. He is doing very well, as you all must have seen, keeping batting. So he's held up well and his form has been fantastic, especially the way he has batted in the last two games. So let another week go and I'll be able to answer that question, provided the selectors want to pick him. So that's most important. Yeah, yeah, he's fully fit," Ganguly said the other day,” Ganguly said.
Remember, India is in Group A with Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and the United States for the T20 World Cup 2024.
- Virat Kohli