In the aftermath of India’s defeat in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final, Virat Kohli has been conspicuously absent from T20I action. Now, as India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024, having already played four T20Is against Australia, the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma raises eyebrows. With only one T20I remaining against Australia and three against Afghanistan, the question lingers – is this the end of the road for Kohli in T20Is?
Opinion: Is Virat Kohli’s T20 Journey Nearing Its End?
The Ongoing Exclusion of Kohli from T20 and ODI Squads
Surprisingly, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have yet to make a comeback to the T20 squad. In their absence, Suryakumar Yadav leads the T20 team, while KL Rahul takes charge in the ODI series. The upcoming series against Afghanistan and the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) are the only platforms left for Kohli to stake his claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
Reports Suggest Uncertainty in Kohli’s T20I Position
According to reports, Virat Kohli’s position in the T20I team is not secure, primarily due to the emergence of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the playing XI. However, despite the competition, there’s a strong argument for Kohli’s inclusion.
Kohli’s Track Record in T20 World Cups
Virat Kohli has been a stalwart in limited-overs cricket, especially in T20 World Cups. His remarkable performances in the 2014 and 2016 editions, where he was crowned Player of the Tournament, underscore his T20 prowess. Even in the recent T20 World Cup 2022, Kohli, after a period of relative off-form, exhibited a lionhearted comeback. Kohli has scored 1141 runs in 27 T20 World Cup matches, with an average of 73.4 in 45 innings and that’s incredible.
Kohli also has a commendable strike rate of 135.9. While his recent strike rate has raised concerns, his overall T20I average of 73.4 in 45 innings demonstrates his exceptional batting skills.
Despite concerns about his strike rate, Kohli’s experience and team spirit cannot be overlooked. As a team player, if given the role of opening in T20Is, he can anchor the innings and guide India through challenging situations. In times of adversity, Kohli has consistently risen to the occasion, making him an invaluable asset.
The Road Ahead: T20 World Cup 2024
With the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon, the question arises – should Virat Kohli be part of the squad? The answer, considering his track record and the resilience he brings, is a resounding yes. Kohli, undoubtedly, is not done yet, and a stellar performance in the upcoming IPL could be the perfect precursor to the T20 World Cup 2024.
While uncertainties loom over Virat Kohli’s T20I future, his undeniable contribution to India’s T20 World Cup campaigns cannot be dismissed. The selectors must weigh his remarkable track record and experience against any concerns, recognising his ability to turn the tide when the chips are down.
The journey for Kohli continues, and the impending T20 World Cup promises to be a stage where he can once again prove his worth.
