Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar recently talked about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's selection prospects for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 which is slated to be played from June this year. He emphasised the importance of their performance in the IPL, as it will reflect their most recent form leading up to the tournament. Notably, after a hiatus of 14 months, Rohit and Kohli have rejoined the Indian T20I squad. They will be seen in action in the T20I series opener against Afghanistan, which is set to be played on on January 11 in Mohali.
With just one series remaining before the T20 World Cup 2024, both Rohit and Kohli have made their return, indicating they are strong contenders for the tournament. Their comeback has sparked debate, as some feel it may limit opportunities for younger players in the team format.
Although Rohit and Kohli have returned to the T20I team, there is still uncertainty regarding their participation in the World Cup. There have been several reports suggesting that the BCCI faced challenges in deciding whether to include either Rohit or Kohli in the squad, with their selection for the showpiece tournament likely hinging on their performance in the upcoming IPL season.
The IPL is expected to play an instrumental role in determining their eligibility for the T20 World Cup 2024. The debate about their inclusion stems from the impressive performances of young guns, who have showcased an aggressive and fearless style of cricket, potentially key to success in the World Cup.
Gavaskar, however, believes that if Rohit and Kohli demonstrate good form in just five-six games, they should be selected for the T20 World Cup 2024. He highlighted their valuable experience as an asset for the event.
“I feel the IPL form will be crucial because that will be the current form. The Afghanistan series is in January. The World Cup is in June. So whoever has good form in March, April and May should be given consideration first, that performance should be given consideration," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“Along with that, I will also say that even if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have an ordinary IPL, but they score runs there, you cannot score runs in every match, but suppose they make good contributions in five out of 14 matches, you will have to take advantage of their experience, and you can probably pick them in the team,” he added.
Gavaskar also went on to say that even if Rohit and Kohli don't make the final squad for the T20 World Cup, they should still accompany the team. He emphasised the value of their experience, noting that it would greatly enhance the confidence of the younger players.
“I will also say that, it’s an out-of-the-box suggestion, you can take them along with the team as well, if you cannot pick them in the 14 (15), because of their experience. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in the dugout, imagine what will be the team’s confidence,” the 74-year-old concluded.
The glitzy T20 World Cup 2024 will be to be played in the United States and West Indies while the tournament opener will be played between the USA and Canada on June 2.
The teams are divided into four groups –
Group A - India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and USA.
Group B - England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman.
Group C - New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda and Papua New Guinea.
Group D - South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal
India will play their campaign opener in New York against Ireland on June 5. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan clash will take place at the same venue on June 9.
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