Rohit Sharma was almost certain to return as Indian T20I captain for the tour of South Africa, but then Suryakumar Yadav was chosen as captain after an argument on a video call, according to reports. Reports further say that Rohit will return as Indian T20I captain very soon.
The BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar has named the ODI, Test and T20I teams for the upcoming tour to South Africa. Virat Kohli had already informed the management that he would not participate in the white-ball series against South Africa because he wanted a break from the game.
Now, Indian Express reports have confirmed that Rohit Sharma, in a video call with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, has requested a break of the white ball leg of the tour. The management came very close to naming Rohit as T20I skipper but later changed the decision on Rohit’s request. Rohit came to the video call from London to announce his decision.
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Rohit is reportedly currently vacationing in London with his family and will once again lead the Indian team for the two-match Test series starting on December 26. The first test begins on December 26 in Centurion. Cape Town hosts the second test from January 3 to 7, 2024.
Rohit Sharma likely to lead India in T20 World Cup 2024
As things stand, Rohit Sharma will be named India’s T20I captain very soon and will in all likelihood lead the team in the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Hardik Pandya led the team in his absence and his current injury may have influenced the decision.
Hardik suffered an injury in the World Cup match against Bangladesh and has not played international cricket since. He was not included in the ongoing T20I series against Australia and was also not included in any of the white-ball teams in South Africa. With a cloud hanging over Hardik’s possible international return, the management is most likely to reinstate Rohit as India’s T20I skipper.
“Rohit was offered the T20 captaincy but is on holiday in the UK and wants an extended break after four months of grueling season until the end of the World Cup. But as captain, he has the utmost respect for the dressing room and if he agrees to lead India in the T20 World Cup, he will lead.” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
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