Virat Kohli No Longer First Choice For T20 World Cup 2024: Reports
Virat Kohli [Twitter]
In a strategic move ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) top officials engaged in a crucial five-hour-long meeting with the captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and the selection committee, signalling a potential shift in the T20I leadership.
Despite Virat Kohli's spectacular performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer with an outstanding average of 95.62, reports suggest he might not be the first choice for India's T20 XI anymore.
With only six T20Is scheduled before the World Cup squad finalization, the BCCI officials, including secretary Jay Shah, vice president Rajeev Shukla, and treasurer Ashish Shelar, conveyed their preference for Rohit Sharma to lead the T20 side. While Rohit and Jasprit Bumrah are considered automatic choices in the XI, Kohli's position in the T20 World Cup squad is apparently not guaranteed.
The officials, in consultation with the selectors, expressed their desire for an attacking player at the No.3 position in T20Is. Ishan Kishan, who showcased his prowess in the home series against Australia, is currently seen as the frontrunner for the spot. Kohli, renowned as the world's leading T20I run-scorer, might have to prove his T20 credentials, especially considering his primary role as an opener for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
The selectors plan to discuss Kohli's T20I plans with him soon, acknowledging the need for a transparent conversation. With the opening slots likely filled by Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill, and Kishan holding the key at No.3, other talented batsmen like Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja could complete the batting order.
As Kohli takes a break from the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour, his return for the Test series in December signals a resumption of action and potentially open his plans for the shortest format.
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