The Indian Cricket Board on Tuesday announced the squad for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. Senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have not been included in the T20I squad as Indian Cricket Board looks to revamp the side ahead of the 20-20 World Cup 2024. Opener Shikhar Dhawan has also been dropped from ODIs after his poor show in the ODIS this year.
Dhawan scored 688 runs in 22 innings in 2022 at an average of 34.40 and a strike rate of 74.21. It’s his worst-ever average and strike rate for a calendar year in ODIs since his return to the Indian team in 2013. His place in the team was in danger after Ishan Kishan’s sensational double-hundred in the third ODI against Bangladesh earlier this month.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has been rested from the T20I series due to a thumb injury. He will be returning in the ODI series starting from 10th January. Rohit had a forgettable year in T20Is where he scored 656 runs in 29 innings at an average of 24.29 with three half-centuries to his name. He failed to perform in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 as he scored 116 runs in 6 innings at an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 106.42.
Rohit Sharma to retire from T20IS?
After his dismal show and India’s exit in the semi-final of the World Cup, there have been widespread talks about Rohit Sharma retiring from the format. The Indian Cricket Board press release doesn’t state if Hardik captaining is a permanent change or just for one series.
Star batter Virat Kohli also has been reportedly rested from the T20I series. After a poor show with the bat in the first half of the year, Virat Kohli finally returned to form and finished as the highest run scorer of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 scoring 296 runs in six innings at an average of 98.66 and a strike rate of 136.40.
Amid all the senior batters, Kohli is likely to keep his place in the T20I side. However, there has been no confirmation from Indian Cricket Board regarding the same.
India’s squad for India vs Sri Lanka T20I series: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.
India’s squad for India vs Sri Lanka ODI series: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.
Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz with reactions as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were dropped from squads. Here are some of the Tweets:
Finally KL Rahul is sacked. Thankyou BCCI
— Vaibhav Sharma (@Vaibhav03193000) December 28, 2022
Wen will Kl rahul be thrown out from all formats?
— MewarWarrior (@pathjay) December 28, 2022
According to @BCCI non performer @klrahul is better than @SDhawan25. Shikhar Dhawan, a player who was the captain(when in need) as their full time captain Rohit Sharma was busy gaining weight.
— Ripunj Gupta (@ripunj) December 28, 2022
Idk y @imVkohli is not selected for #T20I did @BCCI forgot that this man was the main reason to get #India to SF of #T20WorldCup this is just too unfair n y @IamSanjuSamson nt selected for #ODI ?? Jb #T20WorldCup thi toh #ODI mein chance diya ab #ODI wc nazdik h toh #T20I khel rh
— Mishra ji tweets (@MrMyste49070600) December 28, 2022
Bas promotion krwa lo, ya rest
— Rakshit Chauhan (@Rakshit0096) December 28, 2022
Rohit sharma kicked out from t20i squad ?
— J. (@CFCjee) December 28, 2022
@BCCI @vikrantgupta73 @imVkohli @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Maw1sra4MN
— Mohammed Sufi (@dantevasle) December 28, 2022
Bhaishab samjh ne ki kosis karo… hardik can't handle pressure..rohit sharma is far better than him…plz don't remove rohit from captaincy
— Abinash Mohapatra (@dr_unused_) December 28, 2022
Dhawan Dropped But Why ?
3rd Highest Run Scorer In Odis ( In 2022 )
But Some Non Performers Still In The Team
Stay Strong Sikhi Pakki Stay Strong @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/j1jeXpu55U
— Noor (@ExtraCricket10) December 28, 2022
Shikhar Dhawan has been one prolific run scorer for team India in ODIs for a decade!
The trio of Dhawan, Rohit and Kohli will be forever special for fans. pic.twitter.com/slqHskqEkb
— its_me_aman_gupta (@AmanGup87643689) December 28, 2022
It is not good for anyone. We know about Rohit Sharma Captaincy in specially in t20 but One t20 World Cup can't decide Rohit future so Very shame on BCCI for Drop Rohit In t20 If you are want to drop permanently so tell Officially otherwise You can't ignore him.
— Chandan Rajput (@Chandan22211488) December 28, 2022
No one going to watch now T20is without rohit and virat
— Fan of Hitman (@AnkushKurule8) December 28, 2022
Shame on @BCCI The player who topped in all icc tournament is dropped & player like hardik who is not fit for 10 overs bowling is vice captain. Feel for @SDhawan25 Most underrated player. Kl rahul failed in every format but he is in all squads.
— Deepak ghai (@Deepakg82011936) December 28, 2022
