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Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian cricketer, missed the Indian team's practice session on Sunday, October 23, 2023, ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup campaign.
Kohli joined the team a day before their warm-up match against Bangladesh but skipped all three practice sessions leading up to the game. He was also not selected for the warm-up match, with skipper Rohit Sharma revealing that Kohli's late arrival made him unavailable for the contest.
A report has emerged claiming that Kohli, along with other members of the Indian team, was given rest following their match against Bangladesh, hence their absence from the practice session on Sunday.
However, the report also states that Kohli is expected to participate in India's training session on Monday, October 24, 2023, as the team gears up for the start of the T20 World Cup.
Kohli's absence from the practice sessions has raised some concerns, especially considering his recent struggles with form. However, the team management will be hoping that the rest will help Kohli refresh and regain his rhythm ahead of the tournament.
Kohli finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with 741 runs in 15 innings, winning the Orange Cap for the second time in his career. Despite some talks about his potential non-selection for the T20 World Cup, Kohli enters this edition of the tournament as the top run-getter in history, having amassed 1141 runs in 27 appearances since 2012.
The 35-year-old was also named the ODI Player of the Year by the ICC ahead of the start of the T20 World Cup. He had a remarkable 2023 season, scoring 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs at an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13, with six centuries and eight fifties.
Kohli played a crucial role in India's Asia Cup 2023 triumph, scoring an unbeaten 122* in 94 balls against Pakistan in a crucial Super Four stage game.
In the ODI World Cup held in India last year, Kohli delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62, with three centuries and six half-centuries.
He ended the tournament as the top-scorer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in a single World Cup edition.
Kohli's experience and leadership will be crucial for India's chances at the T20 World Cup. The team will be hoping that he can rediscover his best form and help them lift the trophy for the second time.
Source: Team India's 'Decision' Sees Virat Kohli Miss Another Training Session: Report