The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a surprising move by replacing Virat Kohli in the No. 3 position for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The potential replacement is said to be Ishan Kishan, the dynamic southpaw.
Ishan Kishan’s recent performances in the No. 3 position during the bilateral series against Australia have caught the attention of the board, showcasing his maturity and ability to handle the responsibility. If implemented, this decision could mark a significant change in India’s T20 batting order.
In the recently concluded ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, Virat Kohli exhibited his exceptional skills, setting new records en route to securing the “Man of the Tournament” accolade, despite India falling short of claiming the title.
Kohli amassed a remarkable 765 runs from 11 games, boasting an impressive average of 95.62. He played a pivotal role in rescuing India on multiple occasions. Furthermore, Kohli achieved a significant milestone by registering his 50th ODI century, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record.
Replacing Virat Kohli at No. 3 came as a shock to fans
The decision to replace Kohli in the No. 3 position for the upcoming T20 World Cup has left fans surprised despite his stellar performance. In a post-ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 bilateral series against Australia, key players including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have opted for a break. Notably, they are also absent from the upcoming bilateral T20 series against South Africa scheduled to commence on 10th December.
The uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s position in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2024 is primarily rooted in his lack of appearances in international T20 games since the T20 World Cup in 2022.
Kohli, a right-handed batsman, has not participated in any international T20 matches since then. The decision regarding his selection for the upcoming World Cup will be contingent on his performance in the IPL 2024. The cricket board aims to maintain transparency and avoid unnecessary controversy surrounding Kohli’s participation.
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, struck 2 half-centuries in three matches in the five-match T20I series against Australia. He is also part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. Kishan has been selected as the first-choice-wicket keeper batter, while Jitesh Sharma has, once again, been persisted as his backup. Virat Kohli has opted to rest from the series and it only adds concern to his future in the shortest format of the game.
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