The lead-up to the Indian Premier League 2024 saw a lot of debate on Virat Kohli’s place in Team India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America. A report in the Telegraph revealed that the BCCI, the national selectors, and the team management are not in favour of the star batter for the global event, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will inform Kohli of the final decision.
However, the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Sunil Gavaskar, Dale Steyn, and several other legends have rallied behind the former India skipper, and Kohli can still contribute despite his habit of taking time to settle down.
Virat Kohli took a dig at his doubters after scoring 77 runs against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, saying that he still has in him to play the format. Robin Uthappa, who played alongside Kohli, said that the remark made by the RCB batter was unnecessary.
Kohli’s 49-ball knock helped the Bengaluru-based franchise in winning the contest against Punjab. The win came after a defeat against Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to Harsha Bhogle after the game, Kohli said that his name is being used to promote the game in other parts of the world.
“My name is being used to promote T20 cricket in other parts and I guess I still got it,” he had said.
Speaking to JioCinema, Uthappa called it a needless act by the veteran batter. Uthappa said that it is up to the Ajit Agar-led selection committee to decide whether they want to go with a young team like 2007 or want experienced guys in the squad.
“I think he made an unnecessary statement. We all know what he is capable of and what he has done in the T20 format. He wants to be a part of the IC T20 World Cup 2024 squad, but it is up to the selectors to take a call. Let them decide what they wish to do in terms of players. Are they willing to go with the new guys like in 2007, or do they want the tried and tested players? They are the ones who are going to make the decision,” he said.
The BCCI is likely to announce the team for the ICC T20 World Cup in April.