Stuart Broad, renowned pace bowler of the England National Cricket Team, has responded to recent rumors regarding the exclusion of Virat Kohli, the esteemed batting stalwart of the India National Cricket Team, from the lineup for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated for June in the West Indies and USA.

On Tuesday, March 12, reports surfaced indicating uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. According to sources cited by ‘The Telegraph,’ the BCCI selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, harbors doubts about Kohli’s batting suitability for the anticipated conditions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, particularly with expectations of slower-paced pitches during the tournament.

Empowering the selection committee and team management to make strategic decisions aimed at breaking India’s ICC title drought, the BCCI may opt for a squad reshuffle to prioritize aggressive batting, possibly favoring players like Shivam Dube over Kohli, as per reports.

Broad Challenges Reports, Backs Kohli for T20 World Cup

Allegedly, Ajit Agarkar advised Kohli to adopt a more attacking approach in T20Is, a suggestion Kohli tested during his return against Afghanistan in January, where he posted a promising 29 runs off 16 balls in his initial match but faced dismissal without scoring in the subsequent game.

“This can’t be true. Just from a fan’s point of view of growing the game, the ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw of any player in the world. I’m sure he will be selected,” the England National Cricket Team bowling great posted.

Kohli’s stellar T20I record, boasting 4037 runs in 117 matches at an impressive average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138.15, highlights his significance. His remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup 2022, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and delivered a memorable innings against Pakistan under immense pressure, further underscores his indispensability to the Indian squad.

In light of Kohli’s consistent contributions and past successes, Broad’s skepticism towards reports of his exclusion resonates with many cricket enthusiasts, who await official announcements regarding India’s T20 World Cup squad selection.