Irfan Pathan has expressed his opinion on the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Rohit and Virat have requested a break from the white-ball leg of India’s upcoming tour of South Africa. There is still no clarity on the duo’s availability for the T20 World Cup and whether they are in the scheme of things.
During a discussion on Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan’, Irfan Pathan was asked about the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli in India’s T20 World Cup squad. He answered affirmatively, “I personally would like to see them. The reason is the place where we will play the World Cup. The World Cup is in the West Indies and those fields have changed. Obviously, it’s an ICC event, the pitches will be better. “That’s what we expect as far as batting conditions are concerned.”
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Rohit and Kohli’s experience in the shortest format will come in handy in the tough conditions expected in the Caribbean islands. “However, if you look at the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and also local cricket, the batsmen have to work very hard. This is where experience comes into play. We played very well in the 50-over World Cup, except for one match, so you don’t want to change too many things.”
Irfan Pathan wants Rohit Sharma to lead India in the upcoming T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma has amassed 381 runs at a blistering average of 47.62 and 149.41 in 11 T20I innings in the West Indies and the United States. While, Virat Kohli he has had a muffled bat in the Isles, managing just 175 runs in six innings at an average of 29.17 and a strike rate of 125.00.
Irfan Pathan mentioned that Rohit Sharma was brilliant in leading the team from the front in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, “A lot of people talk about the need for a new approach in T20 cricket, but I think guys like Rohit Sharma, the way he is going at the moment, has been the real leader of Indian cricket.”
The former India all-rounder concluded by opining that Hitman should once again lead the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup, with Virat Kohli also in the team. “The way he changed the focus, took responsibility on his shoulders and led the team forward, he has actually changed the mentality. So I really hope that Rohit Sharma continues as a leader and at the same time, guys like Virat Kohli and his experience can always be used.”
Rohit Sharma has a brilliant record as a T20I captain, scoring 1527 runs at an average of 32.48 and hitting at a pace of 147.39 in 51 T20Is. He led India to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 before being eliminated following a crushing defeat against England.