Virat Kohli to be dropped from India squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024 - Reports

Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer for India in T20I cricket with 4,037 runs.

Indian cricket is engulfed in a firestorm of speculations and debate after latest reports surfaced suggesting veteran batter Virat Kohli could be dropped from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The marquee event will take place in the Caribbean Islands and the USA from June 2nd to 29th.

Since the semi-final defeat against England in the T20 World Cup 2022, Virat Kohli didn’t play any T20I cricket for India, along with Rohit Sharma. However, in surprising turn of events the Indian duo of Kohli and Rohit were picked in the squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January 2024.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has also confirmed the Indian captaincy for the upcoming showpiece event in June. Jay Shah said that Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian side, but Shah remained tight-lipped when he was asked about Virat Kohli’s T20I future.

Virat Kohli set to be dropped from the Indian squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024

According to the latest report, the BCCI has left Kohli’s selection in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 to coach Ajit Agarkar. The report also added that not many people are willing to take part in Kohli’s shortest format future because it’s a very delicate matter.

“It remains a very delicate matter and not many are willing to get involved,” a close source told to Telegraph.

However, it is understood that Agarkar had a word with a veteran Indian batter to make a change in approach in T20Is. In the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, Kohli was seen taking an aggressive approach, but he didn’t get much success. He contributed only 29 and 0 in the two matches.

The report further revealed that KL Rahul is the front-runner for the wicket-keeper’s slot. However, his fitness is a concern. Young players Jitesh Sharma and Dhruv Jurel are the other two options, and their performance in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will decide their selection.

The Indian provisional squad will be sent to the ICC by the first week of May. It is also to be noted that the BCCI and the selection committee are yet to issue an official statement. However, these reports have sent shockwaves through the Indian cricketing fraternity.

With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, all eyes will be on the BCCI’s next move. Will they bank on Kohli’s experience, or will they prioritize a more dynamic batting line-up for the global showpiece?

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