As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the 2024 T20 World Cup, the recent schedule announcement by the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sparked discussions, particularly in India. The grouping of India with Pakistan in Group A, alongside Ireland, Canada, and the United States, has set the stage for an intriguing tournament. However, the spotlight isn’t just on the fixtures but also on the potential return of batting maestros Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the T20 format.
The last time fans witnessed Kohli and Sharma in T20I action was in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where India bowed out in the semi-finals. Subsequently, Hardik Pandya assumed captaincy duties, although it wasn’t officially confirmed for T20Is.
Rohit Sharma’s extended absence further fueled speculation, making Hardik Pandya the likely captain for the impending T20 World Cup. However, Rohit Sharma potential return has thrown a curveball into the captaincy discussions.
What did Sunil Gavaskar said about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma?
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has emerged as a vocal proponent of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the T20 fold, emphasizing the significance of their presence, not just with the bat but also in the field.
Gavaskar’s perspective is grounded in the duo’s exceptional fielding skills, a facet that often diminishes with age. “Sometimes, you get slow when you are 35-36; your throw isn’t that good anymore. So, there are discussions over where to keep you while setting the field. That’s not a problem for these two because they are still terrific fielders,” Gavaskar remarked during the T20 World Cup schedule announcement on Star Sports.
Highlighting Virat Kohli stellar form over the past 1.5 years and his standout performance in the ODI World Cup, Gavaskar dismissed any doubts about the skipper’s prowess in limited-overs cricket. Beyond their on-field contributions, Gavaskar stressed the value of seniority in the dressing room, coupled with their ability to make impactful contributions on the field.
The upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, starting on January 11, marks India’s sole remaining assignment before the T20 World Cup. The performances in the 2024 Indian Premier League are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the squad for the marquee event.
As the speculation around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return gains momentum, Indian cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding chapters in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in June.
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