By Zainab Shafiq 
The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches. Held for the first time in the USA and West Indies, the tournament promises to be the biggest yet, featuring 20 teams vying for glory starting June 1st. However, amidst this anticipation, a question hangs heavy in the air – will India’s talismanic batsman, Virat Kohli, be part of the showpiece event?
Kohli’s recent T20I appearances have been sporadic. After playing in the 2022 World Cup, he took a significant break from the format, returning only for the recent series against Afghanistan. This limited exposure has sparked concerns among fans about his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad.
However, Kohli’s current form in IPL 2024 paints a contrasting picture. The former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain has been in red-hot form, leading the run charts with a staggering 316 runs. His knocks of 113* against Rajasthan Royals, 83* against Kolkata Knight Riders, and 77 against Punjab Kings showcase his batting prowess remains undimmed.
Despite Kohli’s resurgence, there seem to be selection dilemmas. The BCCI is reportedly keen on accommodating young opener Shubman Gill. If Rohit Sharma opens alongside the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli’s preferred number 3 position would be occupied, potentially leaving Gill out. Additionally, Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket after a near-fatal accident necessitates his inclusion.
This creates a complex selection puzzle for the BCCI selectors. Kohli’s experience and current form are undeniable assets, yet integrating him seamlessly into the batting order poses its own challenges. The upcoming weeks will be crucial, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the squad and hoping to see their star batsman play a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign.
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