Virat Kohli’s Visa Appointment Delayed, Expected to Join T20 World Cup Squad Late

Indian cricket fans were left in a state of suspense as Virat Kohli was notably absent from the first batch of players from India’s T20 World Cup squad who departed for the USA on Sunday. Media reports now reveal that the submission of his paperwork for the visa has been postponed due to a short break that the Indian cricketing legend had requested after the IPL.

According to a BCCI source quoted by The Indian Express, the board had accordingly planned Kohli’s visa appointment. However, there were earlier reports suggesting an unexpected delay in paperwork. Kohli is now expected to fly out to New York on the morning of May 30th, potentially missing India’s warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1.

In the absence of Kohli, Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid led the initial group that departed. Other players seen at the Mumbai airport included Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and more, along with traveling reserves Shubman Gill and Khaleel Ahmed. However, Vice-Captain Hardik Pandya was reportedly in London and is expected to join the squad in the US from there.

As fans eagerly await Kohli’s arrival and Hardik’s potential inclusion in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, the T20 World Cup excitement continues to build. The tournament, co-hosted by the US and West Indies, will see India face off against Pakistan, Ireland, USA, and Canada in the group stage. The Indian team will kick off their campaign with a match against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue.

While Kohli impressed as the top-scorer of the IPL season with 741 runs, helping RCB reach the playoffs, Hardik experienced a challenging season as the captain of Mumbai Indians, who finished last among the 10 teams. As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, all eyes will be on the Indian squad as they aim for glory on the international stage.