West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell has emphatically stated that omitting veteran players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from India's squad for next year's T20 World Cup would be a foolish decision.
With the ODI World Cup recently concluded, the future of Sharma and Kohli in India's T20I setup remains uncertain. Their absence from the format for over a year has raised questions about their involvement in the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, their stellar performances in the recently concluded ODI World Cup have reignited hopes of their potential return for one final shot at T20 World Cup glory.
Russell acknowledged that the younger Indian players have the potential to challenge Kohli and Sharma, but he firmly believes that there are no better alternatives available when it comes to delivering in high-pressure situations. He emphasized the duo's exceptional experience and match-winning abilities, qualities that are invaluable in the T20 format.
"I don't know why this is a big thing (the debate on Rohit and Virat). Social media can actually get in the way of cricketers by questioning their potential. Rohit with the experience and Virat being Virat, it would be madness if India pick a team for the (T20) World Cup and they are not in them. Experience in World Cups is very important. You can't send 11 young soldiers to the battlefield. You have to have experience. The young Indian players will give them a run for their money. They have been good in the chances that they have got but I think when the pressure moments come, you need big players," Russell told Hindustan Times.
With the 2024 T20 World Cup just six months away, India have limited opportunities to experiment with its lineup, given only eight T20Is before the tournament. Hardik Pandya, India's T20I captain for the year, is unlikely to play in any of these matches due to an ankle injury.
This raises the question of whether the selectors will opt for a young team under Pandya's leadership at the World Cup. The BCCI has shown its commitment to continuity by extending the contract of India's Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff. Will they take the same approach with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Russell believes India should give the two stalwarts of Indian cricket another shot to win a World Cup.
"Rohit is a big game player. Kohli loves the big stage. When a player enjoys being in such a situation, he is not nervous or tentative. I hope the board doesn't listen to the media and decide. I would definitely give them this World Cup. Don't treat big players like that. They have done so much for Indian cricket. They are right in that bracket of Sachin Tendulkar. So, it will be unfair to them. It will be madness if they are not picked," Russell concluded.
Notably, recently ICC confirmed the seven venues in the Caribbean that will host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 from June 4 to 30. Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago, will host games along with three venues in the USA – Dallas, Florida and New York.
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