The ongoing discussion regarding the T20I prospects of seasoned Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continues to capture widespread attention. This discourse has gained momentum following the culmination of India’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign. Notably, both players have not participated in a T20I for India since the team’s 10-wicket loss to England in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November. While the Indian cricket team aims to integrate numerous young talents into the T20I squad, the outstanding performances of Rohit and Kohli in ODIs have solidified their positions as strong contenders for the T20 mega event in 2024.
Expressing his viewpoint on the T20I future of these players, Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram asserted that India will require both Rohit and Kohli in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“The T20 World Cup is just a few months away. I will pick both. They will be the main players for India, no doubt about it. You need a little bit of experience in T20. You cannot solely rely on young guys,” stated Wasim Akram in an interview with Sportskeeda.
During Rohit’s absence in T20Is, Hardik Pandya has assumed the leadership role, with players like Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh making noteworthy contributions. However, Akram is not the sole former cricketer advocating for Rohit and Kohli to continue their participation in T20Is.
While both Rohit (36) and Kohli (35) are advancing in age, former India pacer Ashish Nehra contends that age alone should not be the sole criterion for determining their T20I future.
India is currently engaged in a five-match T20I series against Australia. With Hardik Pandya sidelined due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav is leading the team in his absence.
