Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan has expressed his support for Rohit Sharma’s continued involvement in India’s T20I setup, suggesting that the experienced opener should be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit Sharma has not played a T20I since India’s T20 World Cup semi-final exit in November 2022, with Hardik Pandya leading the side in his absence.
However, Muralitharan believes that Sharma’s performances in the recent ODI World Cup, where he maintained a consistent strike rate and provided crucial starts, demonstrate his ability to excel in the T20 format.
“You look at his ODI World Cup performance. The starts he gave, the kind of strike rates he batted at. He never failed in the tournament. And he’s only 36, that’s young. He can play another World Cup if he pushes his fitness like Virat,” Muttiah Muralitharan stated in an interview marking the OTT release of his biopic ‘800’ on Jio Cinema.
ALSO READ: Rejected by UP Ranji Team, Mohammed Shami Rises To Become India’s Bowling Stalwart
Muralitharan emphasized that fitness and overall team performance are more crucial aspects in T20 cricket than an exceptionally high strike rate, and Rohit has consistently demonstrated these qualities. He also acknowledged that Rohit is likely considering his participation in another World Cup.
“Rohit batted with a strike rate of 130 in ODIs, which is not bad for T20. He’s an experienced player. You just have to work harder on your fitness after 35. If the desire is there, he’ll play. I think he’ll definitely play another World Cup. It’s on his mind,” Muttiah Muralitharan added.
ALSO READ: Ambati Rayudu’s Cricket Journey: From IPL Stardom To International Disappointment
Rohit Sharma possesses an exceptional T20I record, having amassed 3853 runs in 148 matches, including 29 fifties and four centuries, with a top score of 118. His experience, aggressive gameplay, and ability to adapt to different formats make him a valuable asset to the Indian team. His potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad would undoubtedly strengthen India’s batting lineup and enhance their chances of success.
