Virat Kohli, the Indian batting titan, has landed in the Big Apple, but his timing couldn’t be worse for Team India. While his teammates sweat it out in training for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Kohli’s delayed arrival throws a wrench into India’s preparation plans.
The rest of the Indian squad arrived in New York last Wednesday, ready to hit the ground running. However, Kohli only touched down late on Friday, raising questions and eyebrows. Reports suggest Kohli requested an extended break following the IPL, a request the BCCI surprisingly granted.
This delay means Kohli is likely to miss India’s only warm-up match against Bangladesh on Saturday. With the World Cup opener against Ireland just five days away, Kohli’s lack of match practice is a cause for concern.
While Kohli’s talent is undeniable, his recent form has been patchy. Critics point to a string of low scores in the IPL and question his ability to hit the ground running in a high-pressure tournament. Kohli’s absence from the warm-up match will only fuel these doubts.
The BCCI’s decision to grant Kohli special treatment has also come under fire. Experts question why a senior player is given preferential treatment, potentially disrupting team unity and preparation.
Team India enters the World Cup as favorites, but Kohli’s late arrival casts a shadow of uncertainty. Can Kohli overcome his lack of match practice and silence his critics? Has the BCCI’s decision backfired, creating unnecessary chaos in the Indian camp? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the drama surrounding Kohli has ensured the spotlight is firmly on Team India, and not for the reasons they’d have hoped.
