Rohit Sharma-led first batch of Indian players left for US for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which is set to start from June 2. A video captured the excitement at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where fans cheered for Rohit, Ravindra Jadeja, head coach Rahul Dravid, and the coaching staff. Other notable players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav were also spotted. However, Virat Kohli's absence from this group was evident. The players were seen entering the airport terminal just before 9 pm. Among other players spotted at the airport were Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Shubman Gill and Khaleel Ahmed.
WATCH TEAM INDIA's DEPARTURE HERE
BCCI also took to X (previously known as Twitter) and posted photos of first batch of Indian cricketers who are leaving from Mumbai for the showpiece tournament.
“The wait is over. We are back! Let's show your support for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳,” BCCI's post read.
The second batch of Indian cricketers for the T20 World Cup will include Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal as they will leave for US on May 27, right after the IPL 2024 final. This is because their team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), was recently eliminated from the IPL. They lost Qualifier 2 to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 36 runs on Friday, May 24 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, India's T20 World Cup vice-captain, is a separate case. After his team, Mumbai Indians (MI), didn't qualify for the IPL playoffs, he went to London for training. It's still uncertain whether he'll join the first batch of players in the USA or reunite with the team directly from London.
Rohit will be leading Team India in the T20 World Cup 2024 which is set to start from June 2. India will look hold the coveted trophy yet again, having last tasted victory in the inaugural edition in 2007. Placed in Group A, they'll face USA, Canada, Pakistan, and Ireland.
The high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India and Pakistan will take on June 9. However, India's campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland, followed by the USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15. Interestingly, the first three matches will be played in New York, with the final group-stage game happening in Lauderhill. After their New York stint, the team will travel to the West Indies for the crucial Super 8 stage, aiming to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'Whatever decision Pat Cummins takes...': Shreyas Iyer's big statement on Chepauk pitch ahead of KKR vs SRH IPL 2024 final
'That's where I think KKR has an advantage..': Kevin Pietersen on why Shreyas Iyer's brigade if favourite to clinch IPL 2024 title
Gautam Gambhir leaves KKR camp and fly to New Delhi ahead of IPL 2024 Final