New Delhi: India’s cricketing caravan has shifted from domestic to international as the Men in blue make their way for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Subsequently, the first batch of Indian players has touched down in the United States (New York).

Amongst the players who have travelled in the first batch are Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Siraj,  Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Moreover, travelling reserves Khaleel Ahmed and opening batsman Shubman Gill have also made their way to the States. The second batch containing Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal is also expected to join the main team in the USA soon.

✈️ Touchdown New York! 🇺🇸👋#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 have arrived for the #T20WorldCup 😎 pic.twitter.com/3aBla48S6T

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 27, 2024

A video was released by the BCCI which showed the generosity with which the Indian team was received in the United States. However, many top stars were visibly absent from the first batch which reached the USA. Amongst them, the absence of star batsman Virat Kohli and the team’s vice-captain Hardik Pandya has raised the curiosity of fans.

Where are the two mainstays of Indian cricket?

Virat Kohli has yet to reach New York and will be available to be drafted in the national side only before the warm-up game against Bangladesh on 1st June. According to an unknown source, “He will reach New York before the warm-up vs Bangladesh on June 1. Whether he plays or not in the warm-up will be management’s call…..”

Team India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/HxkGNihk7q

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) May 25, 2024

The 35-year-old had a fabulous IPL season which saw him score 800 runs and win the orange cap. However, this herculean effort also didn’t ensure his side’s qualification through to the playoffs. Now, with the T20 WC lined up, it can turn out to be the last opportunity for King Kohli to clinch the silverware as he approaches the twilight of his career.

THE ARRIVAL OF TEAM INDIA IN NEW YORK. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/vQnb5AVctu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 26, 2024

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya is believed to be joining the side from London where the Indian all-rounder was seen vacationing. A lot has been going on in the all-rounder’s life with an alleged divorce from her wife. However, so far nothing concrete has developed on that end.

India’s World Cup Schedule

India is scheduled to play its first match against Ireland on the 5th of June. Let us look at the full schedule of Team India: