Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced his opinion on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, emphasizing the importance of having the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian squad. The tournament, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA, will see India facing Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on June 9 in New York.
Both Kohli and Rohit have not played a T20 International since the 2022 T20 World Cup, where India faced a defeat in the semi-final against England. Irfan Pathan expressed his desire to see Virat Kohli on the field for the T20 World Cup, considering his exceptional form in recent times.
Irfan Pathan noted the remarkable performances by Kohli in the last IPL and T20 tournaments, making a compelling case for his inclusion in the squad. The veteran all-rounder emphasized the significance of having experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, especially in unfamiliar conditions like those in the West Indies and the USA.
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“Personally, I would like to see Virat on the pitch because when we talk about two years back, definitely he was not in his best form. But the last IPL and T20 were one of the most amazing tournaments for him,” Irfan Pathan remarked on Star Sports.
Highlighting the significance of seasoned players in unfamiliar conditions, Irfan Pathan stated, “When you are playing in countries like West Indies and the USA, there are quite a few unknown pitches, and here you will need experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both on and off the field.”
Pathan highlighted the value these seasoned players bring both on and off the field, particularly when dealing with unknown pitches. Looking ahead, Pathan acknowledged that the participation of Kohli and Rohit in the T20 World Cup would depend on factors such as team management decisions and their fitness. He expressed his eagerness to witness both players on the field, especially considering Rohit’s recent good form and consistent run-scoring in One Day Cricket.
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As the next season of the IPL approaches, it becomes a crucial platform for Kohli and Rohit to showcase their form and fitness, influencing their potential selection for the T20 World Cup. Pathan concluded by expressing his hope to see the dynamic duo representing India in the highly anticipated tournament.
