Team India is gearing up for their second and final warm-up match ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they are scheduled to take on the Netherlands at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. However, there is a potential setback on the horizon as former India captain Virat Kohli may not be available for this crucial match.
As reported by Cricbuzz, Team India made their way to Thiruvananthapuram from Guwahati via a special aircraft, but Virat Kohli was conspicuously absent from the team. Kohli had requested leave from the team management, citing a personal emergency, and subsequently flew back to Mumbai from Guwahati. This decision coincides with rumors surrounding Bollywood star Anushka Sharma’s possible second pregnancy, further fueled by Kohli’s return to Mumbai for personal reasons.
While there have been widespread speculations about the couple expecting their second child, no official confirmation has been provided from their side. Recent sightings of Anushka Sharma by photographers added to the speculation, but she refrained from having her photo taken.
A source within the Indian Cricket Board has confirmed that Virat Kohli is expected to rejoin the team in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.
Meanwhile, the weather forecast for Thiruvananthapuram on the day of India’s second warm-up match is far from promising. The predictions indicate cloudy skies with a high likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, posing a potential threat to the game. Thus far, three warm-up matches have been adversely affected by rain, including one in Thiruvananthapuram.
Despite the looming weather concerns, Team India, under the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma, views these warm-up encounters as mere formalities. They have been in impressive form recently, securing victory in the Asia Cup and triumphing over Australia in a three-match series.
India’s eagerly anticipated World Cup campaign is set to kick off on October 8 when they go head-to-head with Australia in Chennai.
