After a year-long hiatus from T20Is, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made surprising comebacks in the squad for the Afghanistan series earlier this year. While Rohit showcased his brilliance with a remarkable hundred in the final game, Kohli’s performance remained modest, leading to uncertainty about his selection for the T20 World Cup.
Despite BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirming Rohit’s spot in the World Cup squad, Kohli’s inclusion remains uncertain. Reports suggest that selectors and team management are considering tough decisions, leaving Kohli’s fate hanging in the balance.
A report in The Telegraph highlights the delicate nature of the situation, with the selection committee and team management tasked with making the final call. Kohli’s recent performances and the T20 approach have been subjects of discussion, especially given the challenges posed by slow wickets in the West Indies.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly discussed the T20 strategy with Kohli before the Afghanistan series. However, no concrete decisions have been made regarding Kohli’s future in the T20 squad, despite ongoing deliberations.
With selection decisions resting on Agarkar, Kohli’s performance in the upcoming Indian Premier League will be crucial. The onus lies on Agarkar to guide Kohli and potentially pave the way for the next generation of players.
As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 5, uncertainties surrounding Kohli’s role add intrigue to the team’s preparations in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, and Canada.