Following India’s devastating defeat to Australia in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, there have been many discussions over the future of captain Rohit Sharma and batting sensation Virat Kohli in Twenty20 international cricket. The pair has reportedly informed us that they will not be playing in the forthcoming white-ball series in South Africa, which consists of three Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals. Notably, after India’s crushing ten-wicket defeat to England in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final, neither Rohit nor Kohli have participated in a single Twenty20 international match. Andre Russell, an all-rounder for the West Indies, believes it would be “madness” if India did not include both players in their roster for the major tournament.
“I’m not sure why this dispute between Virat and Rohit is so important. Cricket players may also face obstacles from social media, as it casts doubt on their abilities. It would be insane if India selected a side for the (T20) World Cup and they weren’t included, according to Andre Russell, who was cited by the Hindustan Times. Rohit has the experience, and Virat is Virat.
By placing Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the same bracket as the illustrious Sachin Tendulkar, he further supported their decision.
“Rohit is an avid player of games. Kohli adores the main arena. A player is neither apprehensive or nervous when he appreciates being in such a setting. I hope the board makes its decision without consulting the media. Definitely, I would give them this World Cup. Treat major players better than that. Their contributions to Indian cricket are immense. They belong in Sachin Tendulkar’s bracket. It will therefore be unjust to them. If they are not chosen, it will be insane,” he continued.
The top two run scorers in T20Is are Rohit and Virat Kohli .
Notably, Rohit and Kohli are the two most prolific run scorers in T20I history, respectively. Rohit brings with him a wealth of experience spanning more than 16 years, having competed for India in all eight T20 World Cups. However, Kohli has won the coveted Player of the Tournament title twice in the history of the competition and is the all-time leading run scorer in T20Is and T20 World Cup history (2014 and 2016).
Therefore, if India does not include the two format mainstays in their lineup, they are taking a significant risk.
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