The forthcoming T20I series against Afghanistan will see the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to the shortest format after more than a year. Since Hardik Pandya’s injury keeps him away from action, the BCCI named Rohit in the squad announced on Sunday. In the past 13 months, they have majorly prioritized Tests and ODIs and kept them away from the shortest format. The duo will be playing T20Is for the first time since India’s horrible defeat against England in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final in Australia.
Keeping the T20 World Cup 2024 in mind, several experts have called for the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli in the squad, citing that the team would need experienced hands in the showpiece event. Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper-batter Kiran More stated that the two modern-era greats have earned their spot on the back of the promising performances showcased in the ICC ODI World Cup and the subsequent tour of South Africa.
“Your (selectors) thinking changed slightly after two years. I don’t know what their thinking was earlier but both gave fantastic performances in the World Cup and looked in form in the South Africa series as well. The way Rohit Sharma captained in the World Cup and we reached the final as well, he played exceptional innings, the aggression he showed, so the thinking changed slightly. So both have been recalled and it is very good news for Indian cricket,” he added.
Hardik needs to gain fitness
Speaking about Hardik Pandya’s recovery, More was of the opinion that the all-rounder needs to gain his fitness and some match-time so as to make it to India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA.
“Hardik needs to get fit and start playing cricket first, that’s extremely necessary. Once he does that, he definitely ticks all the boxes. He has also been the captain earlier. We don’t know the selectors’ thinking, what has gone on inside, but Hardik will come into the team as soon as he gets fit,” More said.
“He needs to play matches before the World Cup. We don’t know when he will start, probably in the IPL, but he is preparing hard. He is the world’s top all-rounder and every team will want to have him,” he added.
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