With the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon, Team India, led by head coach Rahul Dravid, is in the midst of shaping its squad. While there hasn't been an official statement on the inclusion of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20 format, expectations are high for these seasoned players to form the core of the team. Both Kohli and Rohit showcased remarkable performances in the ODI World Cup 2023, but they have been given a breather for the white-ball segment of the South Africa tour.
Their anticipated comeback is for the forthcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. In their absence, India's white-ball squad has seen the rise of new talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite Rohit Sharma's significant contributions in leading India to the semi-finals (T20I) and final (ODI) in recent World Cups, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make a definitive decision regarding his captaincy for the upcoming ICC World T20.
Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh firmly believes that both Kohli and Rohit should be integral to India's plans for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Addressing questions about the future of these experienced batsmen, Harbhajan expressed confidence in their abilities to overcome any selection challenges for the next major ICC tournament.
"I think both Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma) should be there in the World Cup...I think a good combination would be possible only when you have good senior players too with the youth. Virat and Rohit have a lot of mettle in them...I think they should play," Harbhajan told ANI.
India, without key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, competed in the T20I series in South Africa under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. The team managed to draw the series 1-1, marking their first away series post-World Cup. Looking ahead, India is set to engage in a three-match ODI series against South Africa starting on Sunday, continuing their preparations for future international challenges.
"This is a young team; I think we should give them some time. We are very result-oriented, and our team is good only if they give results. That is not the case. I think that if we give them time, they will obviously learn. We will have to change ourselves a little as we judge teams on results too quickly. Results take time. This team is in the process. South Africa is not an easy place to play, especially for bowlers," Harbhajan added.
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