The future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20I cricket has been a topic of much debate since their last appearance in the format in November 2022. With the next T20 World Cup just around the corner, the question remains whether the two veteran batsmen will return to the Indian side. Rohit Sharma, the current T20I captain, has reportedly informed the selectors that he is open to the idea of fresh faces being included in the team for the T20 World Cup.
This suggests that he may be considering stepping down from the captaincy or even retiring from T20Is altogether. Hardik Pandya, who has led the team in Rohit’s absence, has done a commendable job, raising questions about whether Rohit will be able to reclaim his place in the team. Pandya’s all-round abilities and leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset to the team.
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Former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has weighed in on the matter, advocating for Rohit and Virat’s autonomy in deciding their T20I futures. He believes that the two players have earned the respect and freedom to make their own choices regarding their careers.
With the upcoming tour to South Africa, the selection of the T20I squad is expected to provide some clarity on the future of Rohit and Virat in the format. The series will consist of three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, offering an opportunity to assess their form and suitability for the national team.
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“Those guys (Rohit and Virat) should make the call. They should give the opportunity to those guys to make the call and if those guys want to do, I am sure they will. Why not? They have done incredible service and they deserve to make a call of their own and I am sure they will be given that respect for what they have for the country. It’s phenomenal and fantastic. So, Virat and Rohit should have the say, I wanna do it or I don’t wanna do it. Give them the ownership,” Gayle said in a viral video on X.
Chris Gayle on Virat Kohli and Rohit sharma’s T20 World Cup 2024 And T20I future.#CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup #RohitSharma #ViratKohli #LLCT20 pic.twitter.com/fDPUzxLPBi
— Rahul VBs (@iamrahulvbs) November 26, 2023
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to continue playing T20Is rests with Rohit and Virat themselves. Their experience and ability to perform at the highest level make them valuable assets to the Indian team. However, the emergence of younger players and the need for a smooth transition should also be considered.
