Virat Kohli is considered irreplaceable, but recent reports have caused concern as Indian selectors are contemplating moving on from him for the upcoming T20I World Cup 2024. These reports have shocked cricket fans, who express disappointment at the possibility of Kohli being snubbed by the BCCI. With the World Cup approaching, the board seems determined to search for potential replacements for Kohli, focusing on IPL 2024 performances.
While the IPL serves as a litmus test for Kohli, younger players like Rinku Singh and Shubman Gill are seen as having an edge in replacing him, especially since Kohli, though fit, appears to lack the intent to play on West Indies’ soil.
Here’s a look at the top three contenders who could potentially replace Virat Kohli in the upcoming T20I World Cup 2024:
1. Shubman Gill:
With India’s opening slot seemingly secured by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill emerges as a potential candidate for the number 3 position, showcasing a batting style similar to Kohli’s. Gill currently boasts an impressive T20I average of 147.58 with 4098 runs in international cricket. Regarded as the future of Indian cricket, Gill could seize this opportunity to solidify his place in limited-overs cricket, drawing on his World Cup experience.
2. Ishan Kishan:
Ishan Kishan is another top contender to replace Kohli in the upcoming T20I setup. The left-handed batsman also offers the Indian team an additional wicket-keeping option in the playing XI. With an average of 120.37 in the T20I format and explosive batting skills in the middle-order, the 25-year-old provides a valuable option for the team.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad:
While Ruturaj Gaikwad is primarily an opener, his impressive strike rate and batting technique cannot be overlooked. Despite lacking extensive international experience like Gill and Kishan, Gaikwad has shown promise, particularly in the IPL. Having played significant matches for CSK under MS Dhoni’s leadership, Gaikwad has emerged as a key player, potentially filling the role of a one-down batsman for India.
4. KL Rahul:
KL Rahul epitomizes maturity and composure, qualities crucial when the team faces early setbacks in a world championship. With ample experience in the middle-order, Rahul provides stability, allowing youngsters like Rinku Singh to thrive in the lower-middle order alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Rahul’s wicketkeeping skills, as seen in previous World Cups, further add to his value, coupled with a T20I strike rate of 139.12.
The absence of Virat Kohli will haunt the Indian cricket, especially in the knockout games. The discussions to drop Virat Kohli from t20I setup will only make things worse for the side which is yet to win an ICC trophy since they last won champions trophy under MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli’s strike rate in T20I is 138.15 with an impressive of 51.8, highest among all the youngsters potential to replace Virat Kohli.