Former Indian cricket team skipper Sunil Gavaskar has offered insight into the reasons behind the absence of two of India’s biggest cricket stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, from the T20 squad. Gavaskar believes that the decision taken by the selection committee to not include the two players in the squad is likely due to a desire to give them rest ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy test series against Australia, as well as to provide opportunities to young players ahead of the next World Cup.
Gavaskar pointed out that the next T20 World Cup is in 2024 and that the new selection committee wants to give more opportunities to younger players. He also added that this does not mean that Kohli and Rohit will not be considered for future T20 matches, as long as they maintain impressive form throughout 2023.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin in February with the first Test taking place in Nagpur. Gavaskar believes that the selectors may have wanted to rest Rohit and Kohli for this big contest so that they can make a fresh start against the Aussies, which will ultimately benefit India.
Rohit and Kohli have not played any T20s since the last World Cup and missed the series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. They will also not be a part of the side that is scheduled to face New Zealand in January 2023.
Overall, Gavaskar’s explanation highlights the strategic thinking behind the selection committee’s decision to leave out two of India’s biggest cricket stars from the T20 squad. The decision is likely aimed at balancing the team’s needs for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the next World Cup.
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