- By Manik Sharma
- Sun, 07 Jan 2024 05:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ahead of the T20I World Cup in the USA and West Indies, the national selectors face a dilemma regarding the roles and future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team. Recent media reports suggested that the selectors might prioritise Rohit as the captain for the marquee tournament scheduled for June this year.
Both experienced players could potentially be included in the squad for the Afghanistan series, but the selection might hinge on their IPL form as a crucial parameter for making it to the T20 World Cup team.
Former captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his support for stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be part of India's squad for the T20I World Cup in June. Although the duo has been absent from T20Is for about 14 months, they have made themselves available for the shortest format.
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The inclusion in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting on January 11 in Mohali, remains uncertain. The situation will be clear once the team is announced for the upcoming series which is expected to happen on Sunday evening.
Ganguly emphasised Rohit's suitability as the captain for the T20I World Cup, endorsing Kohli's presence in the team, citing his exceptional skills as an outstanding player.
"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)," PTI quoted Ganguly as saying.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old left-handed batter, faced a challenging series in South Africa, managing only 50 runs in four innings. Ganguly acknowledged Jaiswal's potential, stating that it's just the beginning of his career, and he will receive ample opportunities in the future.
"He (Jaiswal) has played well in the second Test, it's just the start of his career. He will get enough opportunities," Ganguly said.
Reflecting on India's performance in South Africa, Ganguly addressed the criticism after the loss at Centurion, praising the team's strong comeback in Cape Town, where they secured a seven-wicket victory in the shortest-ever Test.
"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," Ganguly added.
After the Afghanistan series, India will be up against England in a 5-match test series at home. The first test is scheduled to take place from 25 January in Hyderabad.
(With Inputs From PTI)
