Rohit Sharma is looking to play in T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA. A statement from India skipper has been doing rounds ever since he expressed his interest in playing the shortest format one last time in T20 WC in the USA & Caribbean. However, his 9-month exile is all set to extend beyond IND vs AUS T20 series post-ODI World Cup 2023. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to decide along with selectors whether the senior superstars including Virat Kohli will return to T20 setup.
BCCI Selection Committee-led by Ajit Agarkar will discuss the matter with Rohit Sharma after ODI World Cup 2023 before a final call.
“It is ODI World Cup year and so Rohit and Virat are focusing on ODIs. It is not the time to discuss whether they will play T20s or T20 World Cup. Ajit is there and he will speak to both Rohit and Virat on whether they will continue in the format or if the selectors have other ideas,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
While the BCCI has remained non-committal, Rohit Sharma hinted at he is not done with T20Is just yet. Hardik Pandya maybe India’s captain in T20s, he could return for one last hurrah in June.
“More than just going and enjoying, there is another reason to come here (in USA). Because you know the World Cup is coming. In June, there will be the T20 World Cup 2024 happening in this part of the world. So, I’m pretty sure everyone is excited. So yeah, we look forward to that,” Rohit Sharma said while touring the USA.
Will Rohit reclaim T20 captaincy after World Cup 2023?
While many fans have demanded Rohit Sharma’s return as India captain after Hardik Pandya-led India suffered two consecutive losses in the ongoing IND vs WI T20 series, things are not pretty straightforward. Although Hardik Pandya is yet to be officially announced as the T20 captain, all things indicate that the BCCI is building towards T20 World Cup 2024.
Hence, selectors, Rohit and Hardik all will have to sit and discuss the captaincy option post-ODI World Cup. India will play Australia in a 5-match T20 series immediately after the World Cup. And it will also mark the beginning of the preparations for T20 WC. It is expected that both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya will be rested after a gruelling WC campaign. Hence, it is still unclear who will lead.
Things will be clearer on the South Africa tour. If Rohit returns in T20 fold, he should be part of the three-match T20 series in December.
“Again, there is no point discussing whether Rohit will return to lead T20 side. For the moment, he is unavailable for T20 selection. He is not dropped or retired. Whether he returns as a player or captain or he does not return at all will depend on the discussions. For us, Rohit and Virat are still active players in all three formats,” the BCCI official added.
Problems if Rohit Sharma returns
- BCCI wanted a T20 reboot after consecutive failures in T20 World Cups and Asia Cup.
- Hardik Pandya has been leading India since. However, he is yet to be officially named the captain.
- But the focus has been on Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan as two viable openers going into T20 WC.
- If Rohit returns, one of them will have to drop down and Yashasvi Jaiswal too will not get his chance.
- Furthermore, the reboot was aimed at rejuvenating ideas that worked for Hardik Pandya in Gujarat Titans.
- BCCI is also looking at a possible change in coaching after ODI World Cup.
- Hence, the new coach and new chief selector will have an important say.
- In addition, will Hardik step back in the vice-captaincy role in T20s, handing over the charge to Rohit Sharma is also a big question.
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