T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli joins Rohit Sharma-led India in New York but participation uncertain for this game

India batter Virat Kohli has joined the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. The right-hander was the last player to link up with the team while the rest of the squad had already started the practice for the tournament.

Virat Kohli reportedly asked for a short break after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and hence his paper process was started late. The batter then left from Mumbai on Thursday (30th May) and after a 16-hour long journey reached New York.

With Virat Kohli reaching New York just ahead of India’s warmup game against Bangladesh, it puts a massive doubt over his participation in the game, considering the jet lag and other travel factors after a 16-hour long journey.

A source close to BCCI confirmed Virat Kohli’s arrival in New York, stating that the batter checked in at the team hotel and will be taking a rest after a long flight. Speaking to PTI, he stated:

"Virat Kohli has checked in at the team hotel and after a long flight, he would be taking rest.”

The reports claimed that Virat Kohli will be missing the warmup game but will be undergoing practice sessions with the team ahead of the first game against Ireland. The match, which will be India’s first in T20 World Cup 2024, will take place on 5th June.

Virat Kohli is scheduled to undergo three practice sessions ahead of the game against Ireland. That surely would help him to get used to conditions a bit in New York, where he will be playing cricket for the first time in his career.

On the other hand, the India team has started their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024 on full flow. The team is in an intense session on Friday (31st May). Vice-captain, Hardik Pandya, who has been going through a rough patch, spent extra time with his batting and bowling and starred in the training session.

Virat Kohli set to play crucial role for India in T20 World Cup 2024

Virat Kohli, who has been India’s best batter in the last few T20 World Cups, will again be having huge responsibility this time around in the tournament. The batter will be entering the tournament high on confidence, having a prolific season in the IPL.

Virat Kohli will be entering the tournament on the back of the 741 runs to his name in IPL 2024 in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 to go with one hundred and five fifties. He would be hoping to carry that form and help his team win the tournament.

India would be keen to win the tournament as they have been struggling to get going in the past few events. However, this time around, it will be another opportunity for them to have a shot at the title. And for that, Virat Kohli needs to have his best season and others need to chip around him.