The senior selection committee reportedly had talks with ace Indian batsman Virat Kohli regarding his role in the T20I team. Virat Kohli returned to the team for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan after a 14-month absence from the format.
Virat Kohli has not represented India in the shortest format since the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final loss against England in Adelaide. In his absence, young talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Verma got opportunities in T20I cricket.
Kohli and Rohit conveyed their keen interest in participating in the World Cup to the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar. There is a high probability that Virat Kohli will maintain his usual position at No. 3 during the upcoming T20I series at home.
Selectors hold in-depth discussions on roles with Virat Kohli: Reports
According to a Cricbuzz report, the selectors held talks with Virat Kohli regarding his role in the shortest format. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar met Kohli in Cape Town and discussed the expectations of the selectors and his role in the format.
The report mentioned that discussions have been held regarding the planning of the T20 World Cup, led by head coach Rahul Dravid and Agarkar. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the Afghanistan series serves as the last opportunity to test the players for the event.
The 35-year-old has an impressive record in T20I cricket, amassing over 4000 runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 137. However, concerns remain regarding his performance against spin in the mid overs. , with his strike rate of 110. during IPL 2023.
The T20I series against Afghanistan is India’s last series in this format before the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States. The series begins with the first T20 match scheduled for January 11 in Mohali, and the final match on January 17.
You need players who can handle pressure well – Sarandeep Singh
Former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh has backed the decision to include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I squad. Sarandeep Singh emphasized his ability to handle pressure in ICC events, which will be crucial for the upcoming World Cup.
“It is the right decision. In ICC events, you need players who can handle pressure well. Both of them were great in the ODI World Cup and are in top form. However, this development means that it would be very difficult to accommodate Jaiswal and Ruturaj,” Sarandeep Singh told PTI.
India’s performance in the T20 World Cup has faltered since its maiden victory in 2007, with just one final appearance in the last seven tournaments. The team reached the semifinal in 2016, faced a group stage elimination in 2021, and advanced to the semifinal again in 2022.
India Team for Afghanistan T20I: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi., Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.
Also Read: IND vs AFG: Former Indian coach backs inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20I squad
