In the last few days, there has been a lot of talk surrounding ex-India skipper Virat Kohli’s future in T20Is, and whether he will be a part of the T20 World Cup 2024 or not. While a report in Dainik Jagran spoke about the end of the road for Kohli in T20Is, it also mentioned that Rohit Sharma could lead Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Jasprit Bumrah part of the squad.
All these questions have arisen since Kohli and Rohit have not played any T20I cricket ever since their semi-final exit from the T20 World Cup against England last year. Also, they are not a part of the white-ball series against South Africa. But India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey thinks that the duo not playing in T20 bilateral series, does not reduce its importance. Mhambrey said, “In no way it means that bilateral T20Is aren’t important”, and they have specific targets in mind.
“All I’m saying is that there is a balance that every player must maintain. Also, it depends on who we are talking about. Players like Rohit, Virat look at very specific areas in their T20 games be it IPL or India.
“One would like to watch younger players during bilaterals and examine and understand areas of their adaptability – game awareness, pressure situations, how they adapt to these varied situations the Indian jersey carries,” he added.
Mhambrey on Shami
Not just that, when asked whether India will get another bowler like Mohammed Shami, Mhambrey made it amply clear with his response. “Well, if I tell you that coaches could create a bowler like Shami, then I would be lying. If a bowler can land it on upright seam every time then every other bowler in the world will be Shami.
“It is a skill that Shami has acquired with tremendous hardwork and developed himself into the bowler that he is.”