In a strategic move gearing up for the T20 World Cup in June 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, including Secretary Jay Shah, Vice President Rajeev Shukla, and Treasurer Ashish Shelar, are set to meet with Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli. The five-hour-long meeting held in New Delhi with Captain Rohit Sharma, Head Coach Rahul Dravid, and the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar has charted a roadmap for India’s upcoming T20I endeavors.
Despite being the highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023, Virat Kohli may no longer be the first-choice player for India’s T20I XI. With only six T20Is left before the T20 World Cup, Kohli’s spot in the squad is reportedly not guaranteed, as revealed by a report in Dainik Jagran.
Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, has opted for a break from the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour, leaving selectors with only three T20Is against Afghanistan to assess the full-strength squad. Rohit and Bumrah are said to be automatic choices, but Kohli’s position remains uncertain.
The BCCI officials conveyed to Rohit Sharma that they envision him leading the Indian side in the T20 World Cup, given his stellar performance in the ODI World Cup at home. However, the same assurance cannot be extended to Kohli. Despite rewriting ODI records, Kohli is currently not the preferred choice for the No.3 position in T20Is.
As per sources, Ishan Kishan emerges as the frontrunner for the No.3 spot, known for his attacking style. Kohli’s participation in the T20 World Cup squad might hinge on his performance in IPL 2024. With opening slots already occupied, the selectors are considering alternative options like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill to partner Rohit at the top.
The report suggests that if Kohli expresses disinterest in playing the shortest format, the dilemma might be averted. The BCCI plans to engage in discussions with Kohli soon to understand his plans for T20Is.
Virat Kohli, currently on a break, is expected to return for the two-match Test series against South Africa commencing on December 26.
