Why Sanju Samson, Virat Kohli Didn't Travel To USA With Team India?

Sanju Samson, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli had already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about their late departure.

Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya received approval from the BCCI to join the team in the USA later than the rest.  ( Image Source :PTI )

Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson were the notable players not included in the first batch of Indian players who left for the United States of America (USA) on Saturday evening for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

The traveling contingent included captain Rohit Sharma, batting coach Vikram Rathour, head coach Rahul Dravid, and prominent cricketers such as Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav.

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According to a report by The Indian Express, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli had already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about their late departure.

Samson had requested permission from BCCI to attend some personal work in Dubai, and this request was approved. Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will also leave for USA later than scheduled.

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Virat Kohli showcased exceptional form in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, leading the run charts and securing the Orange Cap (most runs).  He has received approval from the BCCI to join the team in the USA later than the rest. 

Due to this arrangement, Kohli will not be able to participate in India's only warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1. It is being reported that Kohli is scheduled to leave for New York on the morning of May 30.

"Kohli had informed us way beforehand that he will be joining the team late and that is why the BCCI has kept his visa appointment for a later date. He is expected to fly out to New York in the early morning of May 30th. The BCCI has agreed to his request," a BCCI official told The Indian Express.