As the Indian cricket landscape buzzes with anticipation, the questions hovering over the future of T20 cricket for two iconic cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are nearing a resolution. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to unveil the squad for a series against Afghanistan starting January 11, which could mark the seasoned pair’s return to the T20 International scene since their last appearance during India’s 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final ordeal against England.
Despite being absent from the recent T20I contests against South Africa and Australia, both Kohli and Sharma are excelling in their cricketing form. Their performance transcends formats, underscored by Kohli’s impressive nine centuries racked up in the year 2023 alone. Nonetheless, the countdown has begun as the T20 World Cup 2024 is just five months away, and the decision to include the senior players in the T20 squad is crucial.
Reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) signal green lights, as both veterans have communicated their availability for the T20I selection to Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the BCCI selection committee. Furthermore, Rohit is suggested to reassume his role as the captain for the Indian team if he is selected for the upcoming Afghanistan series.
Sourav Ganguly, a stalwart of Indian cricket and the current BCCI president, has not shied away from expressing his support for the two veterans. He firmly believes in their return to the T20 circuit, advocating for Sharma’s captaincy in the subsequent T20 World Cup while insisting on Kohli’s inclusion in the team.
Ganguly, in his interaction with reporters, fervently expressed, “Of course, Rohit should captain the team in the T20I World Cup. Virat Kohli also should be there. Virat Kohli is an outstanding player, nothing will happen (to return after 14 months).” His confidence resonates with the pedigree both players bring to the pitch.
The echoes from the discouraging loss in the ICC World Cup 2023 final on December 19 still linger, but Ganguly remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He reflects on India’s effective come-back as they clinched the ODI series against South Africa and secured a draw in both the Test and T20I series. This resilience, in his view, mirrors the inherent strength of the Men in Blue.
“People say a lot of things after losing one match, India are a strong side. But look at the way they have played. They won the ODI series, drew both the Test and T20I series,” said Ganguly, offering insight into his rationale for supporting the continuity of experienced players like Kohli and Sharma.
In related developments, discussions around Steve Smith’s eagerness to open batting post the David Warner era have been addressed by Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, indicating an openness to “consider all options.” Additionally, Cheteshwar Pujara has made a compelling statement with his double century ahead of the squad announcement for the series against England, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian cricket.
Furthermore, legendary cricketer AB de Villiers has voiced his discontent with the trend towards truncated Test series, indicating a preference for preserving the longer format’s integrity amidst the rise of T20 cricket.
With the stage set for the squad announcement and the direction of Indian T20 cricket hanging in the balance, the return of Kohli and Sharma could revitalize the team’s strategy as they navigate the road to the T20 World Cup 2024. Whether the former captains don the blue jersey again in the shortest format could signal a fresh chapter for Indian cricket, affirming Ganguly’s belief in their enduring prowess and leadership.
