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Former India's star batter Robin Uthappa has reignited the debate surrounding the selection of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Just few days before the tournament begins, Uthappa suggests that Kohli and Rohit should have retired from T20Is after the 2022 World Cup. Rohit and Kohli sat out the entirety of India's T20I campaign in 2023, leading many to believe the selectors have started looking beyond them. In Rohit's absence, Hardik Pandya captained Team India in the shortest format. However, a surprising recall in January saw both Rohit and Kohli back in the fold, and now included in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
Uthappa, a T20 World Cup winner himself, believes the senior players should have stepped aside and allowed younger talents to flourish in the shortest format. This raises questions about the team's balance and whether experience outweighs current form heading into the crucial World Cup.
Uthappa take a jibe at Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma ahead of T20 World Cup
Uthappa went further, advocating for the inclusion of young players who impressed in the IPL. He specifically mentioned Shubman Gill, suggesting the talented batter deserved a spot in the World Cup squad. This aligns with the view that the selectors might have prioritised experience over current form, sparking debate about the team's ideal composition for the high-pressure tournament.
"I'm gonna catch a lot of flak for this, but I'll take it. I think they should've moved on after the previous World Cup itself. I think the youngsters should've played in this World Cup. The senior players have had their go, and these guys are showing true potential. The fact that they've been performing in IPL consistently ... a lot of these guys who are performing now, the likes of Shubman Gill should be there," Robin Uthappa said while speaking on JioCinema.
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Team India's squad for the T20 World Cup has been revealed, with Rohit Sharma returning to captain the side and Hardik Pandya named as his vice-captain. While young opener Shubman Gill misses out, the experienced Virat Kohli is set to partner with the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. A strong middle-order boasts the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson, while Shivam Dube provides additional power hitting. The all-rounder trio of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel adds depth and balance to the squad. This mix of experience and exciting young talent promises a thrilling campaign for India.
India's T20 World Cup squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
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