Confusion have swirled around the Indian team’s departure for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA today, May 25th. While a viral video captured the team at the Mumbai airport, a notable absence sparked questions among fans. Virat Kohli, reportedly scheduled to fly with the first batch, was not seen in the video.
No Virat Kohli!
Earlier reports had confirmed Kohli’s inclusion in the first group of players departing today. The video’s emergence, showcasing the team’s departure without Kohli, has left fans wondering about his whereabouts. There has been no official word from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) regarding the modern-day legend’s absence.
While most of the players in skipper Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel were spotted at the Mumbai airport, there was no Kohli.
BCCI shares pictures, no Kohli!
In a recent update, the official handle of BCCI uploaded snaps from airport lounge. All the aforementioned players alongside the coaching staff, head by Rahul Dravid, were seen posing for some clicks. The post, unsurprisingly, didn’t feature Kohli with the team.
When will Virat Kohli leave for the T20 World Cup?
The Indian cricket team’s departure for the T20 World Cup in the USA is happening in two stages. This plan considers the players’ involvement in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. It is interesting to note that none of the selected first-team 15 members are part of the ultimate clash in IPL 2024. The players caught in the first batch will be connecting flights in Dubai before heading to New York.
Now the question remains – when will Virat Kohli leave for T20 World Cup? In all likelihood, he is expected to join the second batch. A second batch, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and reserves Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, and Rinku Singh, is scheduled to leave on May 27.
Finally, Hardik Pandya, who’s currently in London, will likely make his own way directly to the USA to join the team. With both batches arriving soon, the excitement for the World Cup is reaching a fever pitch.
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