Fans and experts are beginning to be concerned about the future of T20I cricket’s regular captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli due to their continuous unavailability. After the T20 series against Sri Lanka, they have not been included in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand
Former India great Sunil Gavaskar has made a conclusion regarding the two batting superstars’ future in Twenty20 cricket despite the BCCI’s continued quiet on the matter.
Before the squad for the Sri Lanka series at home was announced last month, a PTI report indicated that the selectors are looking for specialist options, thus players like Kohli may be rested. Although neither the board nor the selectors have made an official remark regarding the future of Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar expressed his opinion that the new selection committee wants to give new players more opportunities and therefore wanted to rest Kohli and Rohit, who also need time to stay fresh for the Australia series, which starts on February 9.
Gavaskar said, “The way I see it is that the next T20 World Cup is in 2024, next year, and the new selection committee that has come wants to give more opportunities to the younger players. That doesn’t mean that Kohli and Rohit won’t be considered anymore. And if they have impressive form throughout 2023 then they have to be in the team. The other factor is with the Australia series starting, the selectors might have wanted to rest them for the big contest so that they can make a fresh start against the Aussies and that will benefit India.”