DRS, May 26: Rohit Sharma & co leave without Virat Kohli for T20 WC, Shreyas Iyer takes dig at BCCI

After a span of 73 high-octane matches spread across more than two months, we are finally on the cusp of witnessing who could be crowned the champions of IPL 2024. Will it be table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) or can the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) add a second piece of silverware to their cabinet?

While the IPL 2024 final is still a few hours away, a lot of of stories sparked the cricketing world on May 25. After days of speculation and wait, the first batch of the Indian team finally boarded the plane across Atlantic ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. However, there was a surprise waiting for the fans, who were shocked to sense the absence of none other than Virat Kohli! Ahead of the much-anticipated IPL 2024 Final, let us look back and skim through the headline-worthy stories from Saturday.

The journey begins for Team India!

Team India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign is underway! The first batch, led by Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, departed Mumbai for the USA alongside coaching staff, headed by Rahul Dravid. They’ll fly via Dubai to New York. It was earlier reported that the team would leave in two batches, depending upon each player IPL team’s status. The official handle of BCCI uploaded some snaps of the Indian team from what looked like an airport lounge.

Virat Kohli ditches Rohit Sharma and Co.?

Confusion struck fans today as the Indian T20 World Cup squad departed for the USA. While pictures and videos showed the team, led by Rohit Sharma, leaving Mumbai, fans were surprised by the absence of star batsman Virat Kohli. Earlier reports listed Kohli in the first departing batch. This unexpected development left everyone wondering about his whereabouts. Later reports clarified that Kohli’s departure is delayed due to paperwork issues. This means he’ll miss the team’s only warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 and might not join them until May 30.

Shreyas Iyer vs BCCI?

Shreyas Iyer has shed light on the back problems that hampered his chances in the international arena and ultimately led to his central contract snub. Iyer, who had a remarkable ODI World Cup 2023, claims he raised concerns about his back after the tournament but “no one was agreeing” with him. This raises a huge question mark about communication between Iyer and the BCCI.

Despite his concerns, Iyer played two Tests against England earlier this year before being ruled out of the remaining matches. He also missed the Ranji Trophy due to back pain, leading to his exclusion from the central contracts. Despite, he played the Ranji Trophy final and made a fighting 95. The situation remains unclear, but Iyer’s comments on the eve of IPL 2024 final suggest a possible disconnect between him and the BCCI.

Hardik Pandya to lose 70% of his property to his ‘wife’ Natasa?

Hardik Pandya’s year seems turbulent both on and off the field. After enduring jeers from crowd at IPL 2024 due to his captaincy of the MI from Rohit Sharma, rumors of a split with his wife Natasa Stankovic have dominated headlines. While neither have confirmed the rumors, reports now suggest a potential divorce settlement with a hefty price tag for Pandya. These reports claim Stankovic would receive a staggering 70% of his property in the event of a divorce. Pandya and Stankovic married in 2020 and have a son together.

IPL Impact Player rule to stay?

The IPL’s “impact player” rule, allowing mid-innings substitutions, has been a hot topic. Star Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma voiced concerns that the rule hinders all-rounder development and favors batters.

However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal countered their arguments. He emphasized that the IPL isn’t the sole platform for players. The BCCI organizes numerous tournaments throughout the year, like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and U-19 competitions, where players can hone their all-round skills. Dhumal pointed out that top all-rounders still find their place in IPL teams, suggesting they need to elevate their game to stay relevant.

SRK coming in Gautam Gambhir’s way to become India’s head coach

Shah Rukh Khan’s strong attachment to Gautam Gambhir and his staunch desire to retain the former KKR skipper within the franchise could hinder Gambhir’s prospects of becoming India’s next head coach. Reports suggest that if Gambhir was to pursue the India head coach role, he would need to navigate delicate conversations with the KKR co-owner SRK, potentially complicating his transition. Shah Rukh might be reluctant to see Gambhir leave the franchise fold. Thus, while Gambhir’s credentials might align with the BCCI’s vision for the head coach, SRK’s influence could impede his path.