Former India coach MSK Prasad strongly believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the T20 World Cup 2024. He said the Afghanistan series is the right time for the duo to return and get into the rhythm for the tournament.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the Indian T20I team after a long break of 14 months. The duo have been included in the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The matches will be played from January 11 to 17 in Punjab, Indore and Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to the team, however, have not confirmed their place in the squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Recently there were reports suggesting that their selection will depend on the form they show in the Indian Premier League (IPL ). ) 2023.
However, so far there is no clarity. Rohit Sharma is back in the team as captain while Virat Kohli will certainly take the third spot in the Afghanistan series. Since they are the pioneers of Indian cricket, it would be a brave decision if the selectors do not pick them for the T20 World Cup 2024.
MSK Prasad said he would prefer the best team for the T20 World Cup 2024 and would play with seniors instead of injured players. He also highlighted the fact that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli needed a break after the 2023 World Cup, but the Afghanistan series will be the right time for them to return. Speaking to Star Sports, he stated:
“I would prefer to have the best team possible. The reason is that these are the only 3 T20Is left before the IPL. But, for injured players, I would definitely prefer to have our main players. Let’s not forget that Afghanistan is a very competitive team. I understand that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were given a little break during the tour of South Africa.
“That rest was necessary, after a mega-event like the World Cup, the rest was necessary. Fortunately, they had a healthy break and we have done reasonably well with the youngsters. In my opinion, there is no doubt that they will be part of the T20 World Cup. Therefore, they should start playing from this series.”
T20 World Cup 2024: Both must be considered – MSK Prasad on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
MSK Prasad further spoke about why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not play T20Is after the last T20 World Cup 2022. The former BCCI selector believes that the duo was focusing on the ODIs and that is why the youngsters got opportunities.
MSK Prasad further added that with the T20 World Cup 2024 around the corner, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be considered. He elaborated:
“Last year we were heading towards the ODI World Cup. Therefore, they predominantly wanted to focus more on ODIs. That is why they have given opportunities to other young people. That is something wonderful on the part of both: the selectors and these two stalwarts and the team management who have thought it through.
“As we head towards the T20 World Cup, both need to be considered. “I think I’ve answered the question of why they were both unavailable.”
All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli when they take the field in the T20I series against Afghanistan. His form will be crucial in the context of his selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
