In a recent statement, former head coach Ravi Shastri has called for star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to consider stepping aside from T20Is, allowing young talent to take center stage in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Shastri drew parallels between the duo and legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman, emphasizing the need to prioritize form and fitness for squad selection.
Shastri stressed the importance of focusing on Tests and ODIs for Kohli and Rohit, given their proven track record, while giving young players valuable exposure and experience in T20Is. With their outstanding performances in the ongoing IPL 2023, the youngsters have caught the attention of selectors, and Shastri believes it is crucial to seize the opportunity to nurture these talents.
Highlighting the disappointing performance of Rohit Sharma in the previous T20 World Cup, Shastri acknowledged that both Rohit and Kohli have not played T20Is since then. While Kohli excelled in the tournament, finishing as the highest run-scorer, Rohit struggled, averaging 19.33 across six innings. This has led to widespread discussions about the inclusion of young players in the Indian team ahead of the next T20 World Cup.
The selection committee’s decisions will be influenced by India’s performance in the upcoming marquee tournaments, including the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup. Shastri’s recommendation to blood the young players in T20Is aims to strike a balance between fostering emerging talent and keeping senior players fresh for other formats.
