Report: Ajit Agarkar to have final say on Virat Kohli’s inclusion in T20 World Cup squad

New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) – The decision of Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad now lies in the hands of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, as per a recent report by The Telegraph. The BCCI has left it to the selection committee to make the call, signaling a possible snub for the former captain.

The national selectors and team management are reportedly prepared to make tough decisions ahead of the tournament, with concerns over Kohli’s performance in the T20 format. It is believed that the West Indies’ slow wickets may not be suitable for his style of play, leading to speculations about his future in the squad.

A source mentioned in the report stated, “It remains a very delicate matter and not many are willing to get involved.” This highlights the sensitivity surrounding Kohli’s potential exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad.

Despite selectors hinting at the need for a change in plans, nothing has been finalized yet, putting the onus on Kohli to deliver exceptional performances in the upcoming Indian Premier League to secure his spot in the team. It is also speculated that younger players like Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav may be considered for leadership roles.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed Rohit Sharma as the captain for the World Cup but remained ambiguous about Virat Kohli’s role. Discussing the selection process further, Shah mentioned, “We will discuss Virat’s role in due course,” leaving Kohli’s fate uncertain in the squad.

The provisional squads for the T20 World Cup have to be submitted to the ICC by the first week of May, with India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, and Canada. The team will kick off their campaign against Canada on June 5, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.