ICC T20 Men's World Cup: Kohli extends post-IPL break, set to miss India's T20 World Cup warm-up against Bangladesh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Virat Kohli plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match.

India's stalwart, Virat Kohli, has chosen to prolong his post-IPL respite, leading to his absence from the initial contingent of Team India's departure for the United States ahead of the T20 World Cup. The veteran cricketer, aged 35, is expected to sit out the team's warm-up encounter against Bangladesh on June 1.

Kohli's decision to elongate his break follows RCB's exit from the IPL 2024 tournament. Consequently, the BCCI has arranged for his visa appointment on a later date, with reports suggesting his anticipated arrival in the US on May 31.

The first batch of Indian players embarked for the United States late Saturday, featuring skipper Rohit Sharma, pace spearhead Jaspreet Bumrah, among others. Accompanying them were head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour.

Meanwhile, Kohli's stellar performance in IPL 2024 positions him to clinch the Orange Cap with an impressive tally of 741 runs across 15 matches. Joining Kohli in delayed arrivals to the US are Rajasthan Royals' skipper Sanju Samson and Mumbai Indians' leader Hardik Pandya, both citing 'personal engagements in Dubai'.

Having secured the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007, Team India is gearing up for their campaign in the 2024 edition. Their journey kicks off against Ireland on June 5 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9. Subsequently, they'll lock horns with hosts USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15, forming crucial fixtures in their Group A encounters.