If you are a Virat Kohli fan, here is a news which could cheer you up, amid reports that the batting maestro will not be featured in the upcoming ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup, a report in the Cricbuzz indicate that Kohli is likely to retain his spot in the T20 squad.
In their recent match against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bangalore scored his eighth century scoring 113 off 72 balls, setting a new record. Despite RCB’s struggles, Kohli has been their standout performer, particularly with the bat, in the first five games of the season. His unbeaten 113-run innings against Rajasthan marked a career milestone, putting him two centuries ahead of Chris Gayle and Jos Buttler, who have six each.
That century came under scanner from his critic as it entered the list of slowest centuries of the IPL history, he shared the first place with Manish Pandey. There are talks that Virat may not be included in the T20 World Cup but his red hot form would definitely compel selectors to pick him and he is likely to play at number 3.
Reports from Cricbuzz indicate that Kohli is likely to retain his spot in the Indian T20 squad for the upcoming ICC event. Despite concerns over his strike rate during IPL 2024, the report suggests that Kohli’s inclusion in the World Cup squad is almost certain. In the initial five IPL matches, Kohli, opening for RCB, maintained a strike rate of 146.29, making him the top run-scorer of IPL 2024.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant emerges as the frontrunner for the wicketkeeper position in the T20 World Cup squad. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, selectors face the challenge of fitting in Shubman Gill if Kohli secures the No.3 spot. Pant’s impressive performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 give him an edge over contenders such as Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, and KL Rahul.
Pant’s comeback in IPL 2024 has seen him amass 153 runs in five matches for Delhi Capitals, showcasing consistent performances with scores of 18, 28, 51, 55, and 1. Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly praised Pant’s form and fitness, indicating that the selectors may consider him for the T20 World Cup squad. The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee is expected to finalize India’s squad for the tournament in the first week of May.
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