India’s top batsman, Kohli reached New York on Friday to join his team for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup with the rest of the Indian squad having landed in the city five days ago.
However, there are still some doubts surrounding his participation in the warm-up match against Bangladesh scheduled for Saturday.
“Virat Kohli has checked in at the team hotel and after a long flight, he would be taking rest,” a senior BCCI source confirmed his arrival.
The “Big Apple” received him after 16 hours and whether he will play this practice match depends on his personal feeling whether he is willing to face Bangladesh at Nassau County Cricket Ground.
Kohli scored an impressive tally of 741 runs in 15 IPL matches, which does not necessitate more game practice. Furthermore, he has booked himself for three quality net sessions ahead of Ireland’s opening encounter on June 5th.
The support staff watched Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Mohammed Siraj put through their paces during an optional training session on Friday morning.
Kohli’s joining national squad has been treated uniquely by team management and BCCI. In one instance, prior to South Africa Test series he was given leave and arrived in Rainbow Nation later heading to UK due to some personal matters only to return eventually back into the squad.
This year when India played England at home in a test series, Kohli chose family over cricket and missed all matches because of child birth.
As part of preparations for T20 World Cup coming up soon, batches of players have started arriving in India. The first group arrived on May 25 while the second contingent touched down three days later on May 28.
For now, regarding that matter Kohli was absent from three training sessions but it does not seem like their [team management] worries them too much as they know pretty well that such routines will not change therefore, they have faith in his ability to get ready well for the tournament.
