New Delhi: Will he be part of the big-ticket event or not? That’s the question which has been doing rounds since weeks regarding the participation of Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2024. The run-machine is bent upon proving his might in the shortest format of the game with some quality performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League. With two half-centuries and a ton, he leads the Orange Cap holders list 316 runs to his name.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is scheduled to announce India’s squad for the T20 World Cup in the last week of April and first week of May. With speculations surrounding Kohli’s participation in the mega event, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has passed on a verdict regarding the star player’s fitness which seems like a positive statement for all the Kohli fans ahead of the selection process. Although, this statement for Agarkar does not offer a ticket to Kohli for the showpiece event but certainly carries some weight.

The former India player has lauded Kohli’s fitness saying that it the way he has maintained the level since last 15-16 years is commendable. Agarkar has also stressed on the fact that Kohli’s fitness serves as a benchmark for all the other team players. “Look at Virat. He is one of those guys who has set a benchmark. 10-15 years into his career, he has only gotten fitter. And you can see the results. If someone like him sets an example, puts forward certain things than you need, certain fitness levels you need, gradually it has progressed” Agarkar said.

The chief selector also emphasised on the importance of Kohli creating an example, saying that how it has helped the Indian cricket especially at the grassroot level.

“BCCI has been instrumental as well with all the academies that have happened. You learn a lot quicker. Boys today at 15-16 are a lot fitter than what they were and they should be now with the amount of knowledge, awareness and facilities available,” Agarkar added.