Shruti Suman
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made a comeback to the T20I format, creating excitement in the Indian cricket community. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced their inclusion in the squad for the Afghanistan series. Both players had been absent from T20 internationals since the T20 World Cup 2022, and their return is particularly significant as the Afghanistan series marks Team India’s final outing before the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Despite being renowned batters, Kohli and Rohit’s performances in the shortest format had faced criticism in recent years. The delay in the BCCI’s squad announcement for the Afghanistan series seems to be linked to the consideration of including Kohli and Rohit.
Several factors contributed to the BCCI’s decision to select the veteran duo:
Rohit Sharma’s Aggression, Virat Kohli’s Form:
Rohit Sharma’s aggressive batting at the top of the order during the ODI World Cup 2023 was a major positive for the team. His impactful performances and explosive starts make him a valuable asset for the T20 World Cup. Kohli, known as one of the finest batters of his generation, has maintained sublime form in ODIs, playing the anchor role effortlessly. The combination of Rohit’s aggression and Kohli’s consistent form made it challenging for the selectors to overlook them.
Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav’s Absence:
The absence of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav due to injury created vacancies in the Indian squad. Without these key players, Rohit’s leadership becomes crucial, guiding the team in the absence of regular leaders. While Rohit and Kohli may have different playing styles compared to Suryakumar and Hardik, they instill a similar fear in opposing bowlers.
Virat’s Adaptability, Rohit’s Leadership:
In subcontinent conditions, the T20I format provides India with various options, but planning for the T20 World Cup in South Africa introduces different considerations. Kohli’s ability to adapt to challenging conditions and deliver consistently, as demonstrated in the Test series in South Africa, sets him apart. Excluding him entirely from the T20 World Cup in South Africa might be a mistake that the BCCI aims to avoid. Rohit remains a strong contender for the captaincy spot due to Hardik Pandya’s injury concerns, making him a reliable choice in the absence of a fully fit Hardik for the Afghanistan series and potentially the start of IPL 2024. The selectors might be hesitant to rely on Hardik’s fitness for the T20 World Cup, considering his injury record.
Prateeksha Thakur
Khushi Sikarwar
