Though fans are still not over watching Rohit Sharma rush back to the dugout after the ICC ODI World Cup final, the return of the dynamic duo alongside Virat Kohli for one last dance in 2024 T20 World Cup raises eyebrows with many wanting to know if the two will play
Rohit Sharma recently shed light on the duo’s hiatus, attributing it to a strategic move aimed at workload management. As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the ICC T20I World Cup in 2024, to be held in West Indies and the United States
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 West Indies and United States
India’s T20I reins have been in the capable hands of Hardik Pandya, who not only led the side but also articulated his vision for the team in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Dinesh Karthik said, 'Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will surely play in the next T20 World Cup in six months.#RohitSharma | #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/gj6ych9Ed2
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Rohit Sharma, the designated T20I captain, had emphasized that the focus is on ensuring the fitness of key players for the ODI World Cup in October.
He highlighted the importance of managing player workload, a strategy implemented consistently, citing the example of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who, like Rohit and Kohli, has been absent from T20Is.
“We decided this two years ago. You can’t play everything and be ready for the World Cup,” Rohit explained, adding, “It is a World Cup year; we want to keep everyone fresh; already we had so many injuries in the team that I am scared of injuries now.”
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma haven’t played a T20I since the last World Cup in 2022 and the selectors have preferred young players over the two veterans, with Hardik Pandya getting the captain’s armband.
However, Dinesh Karthik is sure of Virat and Rohit’s participation in the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States of America as he said, “Players will take time to come to the terms after World Cup final heartbreak. I feel for Virat, Rohit, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit. Rohit led from the front and Virat was the highest run-scorer.”
“This was Virat and Rohit’s last ODI World Cup. It is not the right time to talk about it as players are still hurt. Virat and Rohit will surely play the next T20 World Cup in six months’ time. They have been terrific for India and can still contribute,” he added.
The concern over injuries has been a prevailing theme in Indian cricket, with key players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer battling fitness issues in the lead-up to major events.
The absence of Bumrah during the T20 World Cup 2022 underscored the impact of injuries on India’s campaign, prompting a proactive approach toward player well-being.
However, the shadow of uncertainty looms over Rohit Sharma’s future in T20Is, given his age of 37. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to discuss Rohit’s future before the India Tour of South Africa.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: will they continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup?#RohitSharma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/QJYW3xkS4P
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While Rohit has displayed nonchalance in the face of questions about his future, the reality of age and the demands of modern cricket raise valid concerns.