West Indies legend Clive Lloyd fought for the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. He believes that a team needs experience and youngsters alone cannot be there.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have become the hot topic in Indian cricket lately. They were out of T20I action for 14 long months and there was very little chance of the duo playing in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
But in a drastic turn of events, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the Indian team in T20Is. They have been included in the squad for the ongoing Afghanistan series and it has given a good hint that the duo will play in the World Cup.
There have also been several media reports that have suggested that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will only make it to the T20 World Cup if they show good form in IPL. Several experts have given their opinion on his selection and the latest to give his verdict on the matter is Clive Lloyd.
Clive Lloyd said that India should pick their best team and they cannot rely on youngsters alone. The legend added that the Men in Blue will need tournament experience.
“You want to pick your best team, you can’t just fill it with young players. You need experience,” Clive Lloyd was quoted as saying by PTI.
IND vs AFG: They are putting pressure on the older players: Clive Llyod on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Clive Llyod further added that Virat Kohli is one of the best players in the world while Rohit Sharma is a fantastic leader. He believes India needs to pick its best team with a mix of youth and experience. He added:
“Kohli is still one of the best players out there. Rohit is quite good as a captain. Then you choose your best team. You will also have some young players, because there are a lot of cricketers here, and they are putting pressure on the older players… and that’s how it should be. But I am sure you will have a formidable side.”
Rohit Sharma did not have a great outing on his T20I comeback. He got a two-ball duck when he ran out and would now hope to make an impact in the remaining two games. Overall, as a leader, he was fantastic, making brilliant bowling changes and helping the team win. He also recorded his 100th T20I win as a player.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, missed the first match due to personal reasons. He will join the team for the second match in Indore. The duo would hope to set the stage on fire in the last two games and regain their claim in the T20Is.
India won the first game by 6 wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the series. The second match will be played in Indore on January 14. The hosts would hope to seal the series.