Batting maestro Virat Kohli has finally jetted off to the USA to join Rohit Sharma-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which is slated to start from June 2. Unlike his teammates, Kohli opted for a delayed departure after grueling IPL 2024 season. After his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was eliminated from the IPL 2024 in the Eliminator earlier this month, Kohli took a short break.
The 35-year-old is set to join the squad led by Rohit Sharma on Friday, May 31, although it remains uncertain whether he will participate in the team's sole warm-up match against Bangladesh in New York on June 1.
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India's team flew out in two groups. The first, led by captain Rohit Sharma, left on May 25 and the rest followed them on May 27 after the IPL 2024 final.
Virat Kohli remains the lone absentee from India's T20 World Cup squad, who are currently training in New York. The rest of the team, including reserves, began their preparations on Wednesday, May 29. Coming off a stellar IPL season, Kohli dominated the tournament with a whopping 741 runs in just 15 matches, securing his second Orange Cap with a scorching strike rate of 154.70. With India aiming to recapture the T20 World Cup crown after their 2007 win, Kohli's experience and recent form make him a vital cog in the machine. Both fans and analysts have their eyes set on his performance on American soil. He's expected to be a key player in India's quest for glory starting June 5.
India's World Cup journey kicks off on June 5 against Ireland in New York. They'll then face arch-rivals Pakistan in a much-awaited clash on June 9, followed by matches against the USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) in Florida.
India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024
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, Mohammed Siraj.
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.
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