The Indian Cricket Board released the team rosters for Team India’s next trip of South Africa on Thursday. However, the main lesson to be learned through the squads was the time off that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma received from the white-ball trip.
The statement following the squad release from the Indian Cricket Board read that, “Mr Rohit Sharma and Mr Virat Kohli had requested the Board for a break from the white-ball leg of the tour.”
There was a lot of conjecture that Rohit may resume leading the T20Is. The 36-year-old’s return to the format has been pushed for by the board. During the 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit and Kohli last played for their country in the format.
Since then, Hardik Pandya has been leading the team throughout the shortest format. But, following the all-rounder’s injury during the ODI World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav assumed control of the team.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2024, the focus remains on the shortest format for the time being. Concerns over Rohit and Kohli’s future in the format are raised by their withdrawal from the white-ball leg.
Rohit’s recent decision to take an aggressive stance instead of playing anchor has apparently greatly satisfied the Indian Cricket Board. If Rohit chooses to participate in the shortest format, news agency PTI reports that Hardik Pandya may not be the first pick for T20 leadership at the T20 World Cup 2024.
“If he agrees to lead India in T20 World Cup, he will lead.” : Sources
One of the sources inside the Indian Cricket Board told PTI about the board’s plans regarding the skipper and Virat Kohli for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States of America.
The source said, “Rohit has been offered T20 captaincy but he is in UK on a holiday and wants an extended break after four months of gruelling season till end of the World Cup. But as captain, he has the highest respect for the dressing room and if he agrees to lead India in T20 World Cup, he will lead.”
Fans react as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma request break from white-ball contests:
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma requested a break from the White Ball format. pic.twitter.com/vAZmCjhuXW
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 30, 2023
Comeback strong both of you ??? pic.twitter.com/9ALoow6Tat
— Karthik (@vsk_says) November 30, 2023
But earlier Rohit was captaining the South Africa t20i series?
— deepfekzehar (@deepfuk_zehar) November 30, 2023
Both should be included..
Feeling sad for hitman and King Kohli ?? pic.twitter.com/reyLZQiiBm
— Cricket Chronicle ?? (@cricchronicle1) November 30, 2023
Thank you Rohit sharma, Happy retirement ????
— Dennis? (@DenissForReal) November 30, 2023
Now we are waiting for only test series
— ANANT ?? (@Akk_vk18) November 30, 2023
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma pic.twitter.com/AGCmICn3N6
— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) November 30, 2023
Bros still can't accept that we lost the world cup at home ?
— Nisarg Prajapati (@TechyNisarg) November 30, 2023
They'll make a huge comeback later?
— Index Of India – Tech & Infra (@MagnifyIndia1) November 30, 2023
They deserve it…
— Shashank Singh (@RccShashank) November 30, 2023
