The much-anticipated ODI World Cup is just around the corner, and cricket fans around the world are buzzing with excitement. One question that's on everyone's mind is whether or not Virat Kohli will be taking the field for the warm-up match against the Netherlands.
The Indian squad touched down in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, but Virat Kohli did not accompany the team on this journey. There's uncertainty surrounding the availability of former India captain Virat Kohli for the upcoming match.
Kohli, the star Indian batsman, has made a request to the team management citing a personal emergency. He swiftly travelled from Guwahati to Mumbai and is anticipated to rejoin the Indian squad in Thiruvananthapuram on September 2.
"Virat will rejoin the team soon," Cricbuzz quoted a BCCI source as saying.
This confirmation was echoed by a team representative. The rest of the contingent reached the city in Kerala following a four-hour flight on a special aircraft on Sunday evening.
Virat Kohli, with a remarkable 281 ODI matches to his name, holds the record for the highest number of appearances among all the players featuring in the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian cricket icon will aim to extend this record in the forthcoming World Cup opener against Australia scheduled for October 8 in Chennai.
It's worth noting that the Netherlands, although considered an associate team, has shown glimpses of potential in recent times. They are no pushovers, and a warm-up game against the Dutch side could be a valuable test for the Indian team.
Following a rain-induced washout of their warm-up match against defending champions England in Guwahati on September 30, where not a single ball was bowled, Team India is gearing up for their second and final warm-up encounter ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The Men in Blue will face the Netherlands, who secured their fifth World Cup appearance by finishing second behind Sri Lanka in the Qualifiers event. The match is set to take place at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.