Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar’s recent remarks have sparked speculation about Virat Kohli’s participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. With Kohli opting out of the ongoing Test series against England due to personal reasons, Gavaskar’s cheeky comment ponders whether Kohli might also miss the IPL.
Addressing students at the Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi, Gavaskar playfully questioned whether Kohli’s absence from the Test series might extend to the IPL. Kohli’s recent focus on personal matters, coupled with his withdrawal from the Test squad and the birth of his second child with wife Anushka Sharma, adds fuel to the speculation surrounding his IPL participation.
Amidst the intrigue surrounding Kohli, Gavaskar highlighted potential standout performers for the IPL season. He touted Rajasthan Royals’ wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel as a potential superstar following his impressive Test debut against England. Additionally, Gavaskar praised Mumbai Indians’ decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain, allowing Rohit Sharma to focus solely on batting, potentially boosting the team’s performance.
Gavaskar’s insights extended to Rishabh Pant’s anticipated return to cricket after surviving a near-fatal car accident. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Pant’s full recovery before rushing him back into competitive action, suggesting that Delhi Capitals may consider him for captaincy once he regains full fitness.
In assessing IPL contenders, Gavaskar named Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as favorites, while identifying Kolkata Knight Riders as a potential dark horse. He emphasized the significance of the dynamic between KKR’s coach Chandrakant Pandit and former IPL-winning captain Gautam Gambhir in determining the team’s success.
As the cricketing world awaits Kohli’s decision and anticipates the unfolding drama of IPL 2024, Gavaskar’s insightful commentary adds depth to the pre-season excitement. Stay tuned for further developments and captivating performances as the IPL season approaches.
