Virat Kohli Arrives In USA For T20 World Cup 2024, Participation In Warm-Up Match Uncertain

Virat Kohli has arrived in the USA for the T20 World Cup 2024. The decision regarding his participation in the India vs Bangladesh warm-up match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, June 1, will be made by Kohli himself.

Kohli did not travel with the rest of the Indian squad as he opted for a short break following his IPL 2024 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). "Virat Kohli has checked in at the team hotel and after a long flight, he would be taking rest," confirmed a senior BCCI source to PTI.

After a 16-hour journey to New York City, Kohli's participation in the practice match will depend on how he feels. The source added that he would play if he wants to spend some time on the field. The venue will host India's first match against Ireland on June 5 and a highly anticipated game against Pakistan on June 9. India will also face hosts USA at the same venue on June 12.

The right-handed batter scored 741 runs in 15 matches, winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2024. Despite missing three training sessions, Kohli is expected to get three quality net sessions before India's first game against Ireland.

An optional training session was held on Friday morning where Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Mohammed Siraj trained under the guidance of the support staff. The team management and BCCI have often made exceptions for Kohli linking up with the national team.

Previously, Kohli was permitted a break before the South Africa Test series and arrived in South Africa only to leave for the UK for personal reasons before rejoining the squad. He also skipped the entire England Test series at home in February-March for the birth of his second child. For this T20 World Cup, the first batch of players flew in on May 25 while the second group arrived on May 28.

The team management believes that Kohli knows his routines well and does not require extensive practice sessions. His experience and recent form suggest that he remains a crucial player for India's T20 World Cup campaign.