On Saturday, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team departed for the United States to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Most of the key players, including Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube, traveled alongside Rohit, notable absences were Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who will join the squad after a few days.

Cake-Cutting Ceremony

Before the World Cup, the Indian players indulged in a heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony. The occasion was marked by Rishabh Pant’s return to the national setup after a long hiatus, and fittingly, he was given the honor of cutting the cake. However, the moment that stole the spotlight was when Pant offered Rohit Sharma a slice of cake.

In a jolly yet determined mood, Rohit quipped that he would eat the cake only after leading the Men in Blue to a World Cup triumph. This exchange uplifted team spirits and resonated deeply with fans, showcasing Rohit’s unwavering focus and leadership.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli likely to miss India’s only warm-up match; Reports

Rohit’s motivational comment during the cake-cutting ceremony quickly went viral, drawing widespread praise from fans.

This reminds of that Asia Cup final press where Rohit Sharma said World Cup jeetne ke baad patakhe phodo yaar 😢 pic.twitter.com/cPWhIU17sQ

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 26, 2024

Virat Kohli’s Break

Virat Kohli has reportedly opted for a brief hiatus following IPL 2024. After an intense season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he amassed 741 runs from 15 innings, Kohli took some time off before the World Cup. He is expected to fly out to New York on May 30, potentially missing the team’s only warm-up match against Bangladesh scheduled for June 1. This break is a much-needed respite for Kohli to recharge and return to peak form for the tournament.

Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson’s Late Joining

In addition to Kohli, India’s T20I vice-captain and allrounder Hardik Pandya, along with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, will join their colleagues later. Pandya’s delayed arrival is due to personal commitments, while Samson has work to attend to in Dubai. Their absence in the initial stages might influence team dynamics but also allow other players to step up.

Group A Matches Overview

India is in Group A alongside Canada, Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA. These matches spread across New York and Lauderhill, Florida venues will be pivotal in setting the tone for India’s campaign. Each game will test the team’s adaptability and strategic planning.