Major update: Virat Kohli's absence from IPL 2024 matches? Latest news on RCB star's return

India’s ace batsman, Virat Kohli, is gearing up to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pre-season camp ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. According to reports from India Today, Kohli is slated to link up with the team before March 17th.

Kohli’s Return: Key milestone in IPL 2024 preparation

Kohli’s arrival coincides with RCB’s annual ‘Unbox’ promotional event on March 19th at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This timing aligns with the team’s preparations before their first match against CSK in Chennai on March 22nd.

The IPL 2024 season marks Kohli’s return to competitive cricket after a hiatus of two and a half months. His last appearance was during the T20I series against Afghanistan. Following the T20 World Cup 2022, Kohli made a comeback in the T20Is, featuring in the three-match series.

Initially named in the Indian squad for the Test series against England, Kohli withdrew at the eleventh hour due to family commitments. It later emerged that his wife had given birth to their second child in London.

The upcoming IPL holds significant importance for Kohli amidst speculation surrounding his T20I future. Some reports indicate doubts over his selection for the T20 World Cup 2024, with selectors allegedly expressing reservations.

According to reports, selectors believe that the slower pitches in the West Indies may not align with Virat Kohli’s playing style, prompting discussions about making room for younger talents. Consequently, the impending IPL 2024 holds immense significance for Kohli as it may influence his inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

Kohli is eager to leave a substantial mark in the tournament. As the IPL’s top run-scorer and a formidable force for his team, he aims to lead them to their inaugural title victory in the league.

Harbhajan Singh: Virat Kohli needs a season similar to 2016

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh suggests that for IPL 2024, Virat Kohli must be ready to bat for the entire 20 overs. Singh believes that if Kohli achieves this, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) could deliver a match-winning performance.

Singh emphasized the importance of Kohli replicating his stellar 2016 season, during which he amassed 973 runs. The former off-spinner asserted that such a performance from Kohli could significantly bolster RCB’s chances of success. Speaking to Star Sports, Singh elaborated.

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“Should Kohli commit to batting for the full 20 overs, he could deliver a match-winning performance. Achieving two centuries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium doesn’t guarantee the same outcome at Chepauk.”

“It’s crucial for him to replicate a season similar to 2016, as his runs will propel the team forward. Whether this will lead to winning the cup remains uncertain.”The IPL 2024 opener is scheduled between RCB and CSK on March 22nd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.