As Rohit Sharma faces a challenging run of form, being dismissed for two consecutive ducks in the T20I series against Afghanistan, former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel believes it won’t impact squad selections for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20I World Cup. Patel expressed confidence that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, once selected for a series, are essentially on their way to the World Cup.
Despite the recent lean patch, Patel remains steadfast in his belief that the ongoing series is not a make-or-break situation for the Indian skipper and other key players. Rohit Sharma, playing in his 150th T20I, has struggled to make an impact in the series against Afghanistan, with two consecutive ducks.
“I don’t see this series as a selection series for the World Cup. I don’t think any player, performing or not, will impact their chances of World Cup selection, especially when you are talking about Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Once you have picked them for the series, it means they are going for the World Cup,” reinstated Parthiv Patel.
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However, Patel expects Sharma to bounce back strongly in the third T20I, setting the tone and attacking as he usually does. Patel acknowledged Sharma’s desire to contribute with the bat and anticipates a strong comeback in the final match of the series.
While the pressure may be mounting on Sharma to perform, Patel emphasized the selectors’ trust in experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for major tournaments. The former cricketer dismissed concerns about the ongoing series affecting World Cup squad selections, highlighting the established status of key players in the Indian team.
“Rohit Sharma personally would like to score runs. He likes to set the tone and if he gets in, he would like to make it a big one,” said Parthiv Patel about what he expects from the Indian skipper in the final T20I against Afghanistan.
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The third T20I between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on January 17, starting at 7 PM IST. Despite the recent challenges, Rohit Sharma aims to make a significant impact in the final T20I, showcasing his ability to set the tone and lead the Indian batting lineup.
