Former Indian captain and ex-Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, Sourav Ganguly, has weighed in on the potential leadership roles for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20Is.
Ganguly, on January 7, expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the ‘Hitman,’ should lead the Men in Blue in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June. Additionally, Ganguly emphasized that Kohli should continue to be a vital part of India’s T20I team.
When questioned about Rohit’s suitability as the captain for the T20 World Cup, Ganguly asserted, “of course.” He also praised Kohli, labeling him as an “outstanding player.”
Discussing the overall strength of the current Indian side, Ganguly showered praise on the team’s recent performances. He noted that criticism tends to arise only after a loss, emphasizing that India is a formidable team that has excelled in ODI series, T20 series, and Test series. Ganguly underlined the need for a more balanced perspective, acknowledging the team’s achievements.
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, considered stalwarts of Indian cricket, have been absent from T20Is since India’s semi-final exit from the T20 World Cup in November 2022. Both players have reportedly expressed their eagerness to make a return to the T20I format, presenting a challenge for selectors who have focused on nurturing young talent throughout 2023.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, engaged in discussions with senior players in South Africa, but a final decision on the team for the Afghanistan series is pending.
The team has encountered leadership challenges, with Hardik Pandya, the T20I captain for 2023, sidelined due to injury since the ODI World Cup. Additionally, Suryakumar Yadav, who led against Australia and South Africa, is also unavailable due to injury.
As the selectors navigate these challenges, Ganguly’s endorsement of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and the continued inclusion of Virat Kohli underscores the anticipation and speculation surrounding India’s T20 World Cup campaign.