Ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team has begun its training in New York City, but notable absentee Virat Kohli has yet to join the squad. While most players participated in the first training session on Tuesday, Kohli’s arrival remains uncertain, raising doubts about his availability for India’s warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1.
The team’s journey to New York has been staggered, with players arriving in batches following the conclusion of the IPL 2024 season. However, Kohli’s delayed arrival has sparked speculation about his potential participation in the upcoming fixtures.
Soham Desai, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, shed light on the players’ initial routines, emphasizing the importance of adjusting to the new time zone. While the team engaged in basic fitness drills and football exercises, the focus remained on gradually transitioning from the IPL grind to match readiness for the T20 World Cup.
Despite Kohli’s absence, players expressed optimism about the training camp, with Jasprit Bumrah highlighting the favorable weather conditions and the excitement of playing in a new location. The session aimed to gauge the players’ fitness levels and lay the groundwork for their preparation leading up to the tournament’s commencement.
India’s opening fixture against Ireland on June 5 looms large, followed by crucial group-stage encounters against Pakistan, USA, and Canada. With Kohli’s participation uncertain, the team management faces a challenge in ensuring squad cohesion and readiness for the upcoming matches across New York and Lauderhill, Florida.
