Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Speculations of Virat Kohli’s omission from the T20 World Cup 2024 has spread like wildfire after it was first reported by The Telegraph, earlier this week. While former India cricketer and ex-Chairman of Selectors Kris Srikkanth slammed “rumour-mongers” for spreading false news, former India all-rounder Kirti Azad is the latest to join the bandwagon.

The 65-year-old has also refuted the claims as he stated that captain Rohit Sharma has informed BCCI Secretary Jay Shah that the team needs Virat Kohli “at any cost”. The 1983 World Cup winner took to X (formerly Twitter), calling out the false reporters' “nincompoops” to not involve them in the selection process.

“If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup, and its official announcement will be made before the team selection,” Azad wrote on X. 

Jay Shah had earlier confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead the side in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The India skipper returned to the shortest format of the game, along with Virat Kohli, after the duo last featured in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. 

Virat Kohli lands in India ahead of IPL 2024

The batting great Virat Kohli, returned to India after the birth of his son, Akaay Kohli. If reports are to be believed further, the 35-year-old will join the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp in Bengaluru ahead of the RCB Unbox event on March 19.