The IPL not being given prime importance in the selection process could deal a significant blow to Virat Kohli, whose spot in the T20 World Cup team is uncertain.
In January this year, Virat Kohli made a comeback to the Indian T20I team after being absent for over a year. He and Rohit Sharma were notably absent from the T20I squad following the T20 World Cup but were recalled for the 3-match series against Afghanistan.
While Rohit Sharma had a stellar return, scoring a century in the 3rd T20I, Kohli’s performances fell short of expectations, managing only 29 and 0 in his two outings.
Although BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed Rohit Sharma’s spot in the T20 World Cup 2024, there’s uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s participation. Despite Kohli’s return against Afghanistan indicating his place in the World Cup squad, recent reports suggest he might still face exclusion.
According to The Telegraph, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is hesitant to include Kohli due to concerns about his performance meeting the team’s T20I requirements.
The BCCI has entrusted the decision of Kohli’s participation to Ajit Agarkar. With India’s lack of ICC trophies since 2013, the selectors are considering bold decisions for the upcoming tournament.
Over time, we’ve witnessed numerous players earning spots in the Indian team by showcasing their skills in the IPL. Yet, it seems that the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar won’t be leaning heavily on IPL performances for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Reports suggest that the selectors have already finalized the squad for the significant event and are unlikely to deviate much from their planned strategy, irrespective of IPL performances.
“IPL will be important, but it won’t be the main criteria for selection for the T20 World Cup. The selectors have more or less chalked out a squad. The IPL won’t change too much unless there is a breakthrough performance or a drastic dip in form,” the source was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
The upcoming T20 World Cup might bring disappointment for Virat Kohli, as recent reports suggest that his spot in the Indian team is uncertain. Despite his stellar performances in the IPL, it seems the selectors aren’t prioritizing IPL form for team selection. Kohli’s struggle to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket has been highlighted, especially since his return to the T20I squad earlier this year after a prolonged absence. Reportedly, selectors had advised him to tweak his approach in the shortest format.
Meanwhile, the deadline for submitting the provisional squad for the T20 World Cup is approaching, with India slated to face Pakistan, Ireland, USA, and Canada in Group A. Their first match against Ireland is scheduled for June 5th. With this timeline, Kohli’s chances of making it to the final squad appear uncertain, despite his past contributions to the team.
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