Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s chances of playing in T20 World Cup 2024 are bleak but his T20I future is not set in stone. Kohli who has not played a single T20I since T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal loss against England was rested from the limited-overs series against South Africa. Kohli had asked for a break from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and hence he and Rohit Sharma were named only in the Test squad. Sports Tak has learned that the team management will have a discussion with Kohli about his T20I future soon.
“There is no certainty whether Virat Kohli will feature in T20 World Cup or not. It looks very difficult for him to make the cut but yes we will speak to him and then a final call will be taken. The management doesn't want to jump the gun. That is why a meeting with him is important before reaching any conclusion on his T20 World Cup slot,” a source privy to the development told Sports Tak.
Meanwhile, there were reports that Rohit Sharma may lead the T20I side in South Africa. However, he had asked for a break as well and was named in the Test squad only. Rohit is likely to play his first T20I after more than a year next year.
“We have informed Rohit that if he will play he will lead the team and young players will be there in the squad. He (Rohit) and the coach need to take care of it. I don't see him Play Afghanistan T20 as well but let's wait and see how things develop,” the source added.
Kohli is currently the leading run-scorer in T20Is. He has 4,008 runs from 115 matches at an average of 52.73 including one century and 37 half-centuries. He is followed by Rohit with 3,853 runs from 148 matches at an average of 31.32 including four centuries and 29 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, in the absence of an injured Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav is leading the T20I side. He has been named captain for the South Africa T20I series starting December 10 as well.
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