Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif backed Rohit Sharma to play in the next World T20 2024. He believes that more than his batting, India needs him as a tournament leader.
The ICC title drought was extended for the Indian cricket team as they suffered a disappointing defeat against Australia in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023. However, the quest does not end there as they will get another chance. to get their hands on the ICC trophy as the T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner.
India has been giving opportunities to youngsters in the T20Is, trying to build a core for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, one of the big questions remains around the availability of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and other senior players for the tournament.
There has been a lot of debate about this in Indian cricket lately, but there has been no clarity. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not played a single T20I since the last T20 World Cup concluded, putting their selection for the tournament in doubt.
Several reports suggested that Rohit Sharma will captain the team in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, there is no clarity about Virat Kohli. A clear picture of this will be revealed soon, but until then there will be a lot of speculation.
Mohammad Kaif said that Rohit Sharma should be there for the team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Kaif highlighted his leadership qualities and added that the team will need his experience. Speaking to IANS, he explained:
“You need captain Rohit more than batsman Rohit Sharma to lead the team in the T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit Sharma has to be there because he has the leadership quality.
“The way he led in the 50-over World Cup, he has done a fantastic job as a leader…India will also need his T20 experience. Rohit, as a captain and as a batsman, did a fantastic job, which India will need in the T20s as well.”
It will be difficult for Shreyas Lyer to take Pujara’s place – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif also spoke about India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa. He highlighted that India will be missing the services of Cheteshwar Pujara and it will be difficult for Shreyas Iyer to replace him. He stressed that in overseas conditions experience is important. He added:
“It will be difficult for Shreyas Lyer to take Pujara’s place. I don’t know why Pujara hasn’t been selected. “You can’t just go on the African tour without your best batsman, you just can’t rely on current or past forms, something you need most is called experience, and India are going to miss that.”
India will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I and ODI series followed by a two-match Test series.
