'Nincompoops should not involve themselves in selection process' - Kirti Azad's bold remark on Virat Kohli's inclusion in T20 World Cup squad

Speculations about Virat Kohli's selection for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June have been one of the talking points over the last few weeks. In the middle of the reports questioning the star batter's place in the squad, former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad has now claimed that skipper Rohit Sharma is firmly backing Kohli to be part of the team.

Early this month, reports spiked that Kohli's spot in India's T20 World Cup squad could be in question after the rise of young power hitters in the team's middle order.

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The 35-year-old batting legend has been absent from the T20I squad since the T20 World Cup in 2022. With the likes of Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube impressing during Kohli's absence, concerns were raised over the veteran's selection.

The 1983 World Cup winner took to his social media to reveal inside information about Kohli's prospects,

“Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too, but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. Nincompoops should not involve themselves in selection process.”

The duo of Rohit and Kohli returned to T20Is during the home series against Afghanistan in January. While Kohli had a quiet comeback, Rohit responded with a brilliant century, reinforcing his importance to the side.

During Rohit's absence, Hardik Pandya took up the captaincy role in T20Is. Additionally, players like Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah also got the opportunity to lead the side in the shortest format.

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The 35-year-old batter had taken a break from the game and missed the five-match Test series against England due to the birth of his second child, Akaay. He was in London along with his wife Anushka Sharma. The Delhi lad flew back to India on Sunday, March 17 and will have all his eyes on the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL), representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).