Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh backed the legendary batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing and retiring only at their discretion despite getting up there in age as well. However, much has been discussed about their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup at the West Indies and U.S.A., starting June 1. Notably, they missed all of India’s T20I games after the 2022 World Cup
before returning to the squad for the Afghanistan series earlier this year as well.
Speaking to the ICC, Yuvraj Singh said, “As you get older people start talking about your age and they forget about your form. These guys have been great players for India and they deserve to go (retire) when they want,” said Yuvraj.
“I would like to see more younger players in the T20 format, because it gets the load off them (experienced players) playing 50-over (ODIs) and Test matches. After this (T20) World Cup I would like to see a lot of younger guys come into the team and make the T20 side for the next World Cup,” he further added.
ALSO READ: Kirti Azad welcomes BCCI’s new directive in central contract
However, Yuvraj Singh, who was recently named the brand ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, also picked Suryakumar Yadav as India’s key player for the upcoming tournament along with Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal. Yuvraj Singh feels Team India should pick Dinesh Karthik as the wicketkeeper if he is in the playing XI.
Notably, Karthik last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he failed to do well with the bat, averaging under five in four games. But he has been in sublime form in the ongoing 2024 IPL, averaging over 52 at a strike rate of 195.52 in nine games so far. He also backed Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as wicketkeepers.
READ ALSO: Michael Vaughan praises Team India after series win over England
“Suryakumar Yadav (is India’s key player). Because the way he plays, he can change the complexion of a game in 15 balls. And he is definitely a surety…for India to win this T20 World Cup, Surya is going to be the key. I think Jasprit Bumrah is also the key with the bowling and I would like to see a leg-spinner in the squad as well, like Yuzvendra Chahal as he has been bowling really well,” stated Yuvraj.
“DK (Karthik) has been batting well, but the thing with DK is the last time (2022) they picked him and the T20 WC was on he didn’t get to play. If DK is not in your XI I don’t think there is any point in picking him. There is Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and both guys are in great form and obviously they are younger. I would like to see DK in the mix, but if he is not going to play then you would rather have someone who is younger and can make the difference,” concluded Yuvraj Singh.
