Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is going to to miss the opening T20I against Afghanistan for personal reasons. Therefore he will not be making his T20I comeback versus Afghanistan on January 14 in Indore.
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of India, reaffirmed this during Wednesday’s pre-series news conference. The cricket community has responded to the comeback of well-known players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in different ways. Since their crushing defeat by England during the 2022 T20 World Cup, the pair has not participated in Twenty20 International matches for India.
In addition to the three Twenty20 Internationals versus Afghanistan, the IPL 2024 campaign may also be an important factor for the selectors to consider, as the T20 World Cup will take place shortly after that.
Prior to India’s Test series versus South Africa, Kohli was allegedly absent from the intra-squad practice match because of a personal emergency.
“Rohit and Virat are needed to help India win the T20 World Cup: AB de Villiers
In the latter stages of his career, AB de Villiers was frequently outspoken about his desire to return for South Africa. However, the team management at the time wasn’t supportive.
The decision by India to include both Rohit and Kohli as part of their T20I lineup was well-received by the once renowned South African cricket player. With the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the Caribbean as well as the USA later this year, he thinks the Men in Blue will need them.
The former Royal Challengers Bangalore batter said, “I understand (criticism on selection of Rohit and Kohli) but at the end of the day it is a cricket World Cup. If Virat Kohli is good enough, he has to play. I don’t care whether he is managing his career due to age. 20-year-olds will understand that the likes of Rohit and Virat are needed to help India win the T20 World Cup. I wish I had that management when I was 35.”
Fans react as Virat Kohli opts out from first T20I against Afghanistan due to personal reasons: –
Rahul Dravid confirms Virat Kohli will miss the 1st T20i due to personal reasons.
– Rohit and Jaiswal will open the innings tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/m8krHgvYud
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2024
Tomorrow is vamika birthday, so maybe that is the reason he is going to missed tomorrow match
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) January 10, 2024
Virat fans reading this news ? pic.twitter.com/8Pi5BO4Rfb
— Melon Husk ? (@veinomouzz) January 10, 2024
Rohit playing t20i bcos of personal reasons. Selfless much
— Archer (@poserarcher) January 10, 2024
wth nooo… this is pure bcci & dravid politics
— ???? (@dreamer__neha) January 10, 2024
@ShuhidAufridi real reason is pill
— Rahul (@wanttodie0101) January 10, 2024
This is a heartbreaker for me! ?
What is the family's reason? But I respect his opinion.— Shumaila Tanveer (@shumaila56_) January 10, 2024
If shubman were there, It would be better.
— Haroon (@itx_haroon_453) January 10, 2024
Virat is going to maldives.. pic.twitter.com/Z3K8JHC2Mj
— Asad Shakeel (@AsadShakeel969) January 10, 2024
Rohit and Jaiswal will be provided a cracker start to India. If they provide 60 to 80 in the first 6 overs then it will be a brilliant start.
— Shumaila Tanveer (@shumaila56_) January 10, 2024
Rahul Dravid confirms Rohit & Jaiswal will open the innings. [JioCinema] pic.twitter.com/MQJfJqz8QS
— Priyanka (@Pinky209E) January 10, 2024
I’m sure Rohit and jaiswal will provide to India a cracker Start ??
— Zuhair (@zuh_dxb) January 10, 2024
