Cricket

IND vs AFG 2024: “Let’s address the elephant in the room” – Aakash Chopra on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s selections

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra feels Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s selection for the Afghanistan T20Is has answered a lot of questions. As Rohit and Virat had last played in the T20I format in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022, there were question marks on their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

However, as both of them have been picked by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for Afghanistan T20Is, both are expected to be part of the T20 World Cup squad.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Let’s address the elephant in the room. Rohit is back as the captain. Interestingly enough, I could possibly give you in writing that if this team had been picked within six months of the 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli wouldn’t have been there.”

“The sentiment at that time was very different. You didn’t see either of them in the Indian XI for a year. It wasn’t even a point of discussion. It’s not that they were unavailable everywhere. They might have been available in some places but the selectors said they were looking in a different direction.”

The renowned commentator added if Rohit Sharma will play in the T20 World Cup, he will play only as a captain.

“After that, the ODI World Cup happened, where we saw Rohit batting destructively and Virat Kohli became the Player of the Tournament. So Rohit is there as the captain and I feel he will captain in the World Cup also. It was a landmark selection because if he plays the World Cup, he will play as captain only.”

Chopra reckons Hardik Pandya will not lead India in the T20 World Cup squad because of his fitness issues. Pandya is currently out of action due to his ankle injury, which he suffered in the ODI World Cup.

“Don’t think that Hardik (Pandya) will become the captain when he comes. I can almost give you in writing that it won’t happen. It’s decided that Virat Kohli will also be playing the T20 World Cup.”

India Squad for Afghanistan T20Is: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Harbhajan Singh suggests India’s playing 11 changes after ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Kuldeep Yadav’s selection in the second Test match… Read More

June 25, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar suggests India’s playing 11 changes after loss in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test, backs Kuldeep Yadav to replace Shardul Thakur

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar wants Kuldeep Yadav to be included in the second Test playing XI… Read More

June 25, 2025

Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav for 2nd Test against England

Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu believes India should make changes to their bowling line-up… Read More

June 25, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton on playing with calf strain: ‘I’d do it again’

Indiana Pacers talisman Tyrese Haliburton has no regrets on playing with calf strain in the… Read More

June 25, 2025

Luka Modric agrees to sign for AC Milan after Club World Cup

Croatian veteran midfielder Luka Madrid has agreed to sign with Italian giants AC Milan after… Read More

June 25, 2025

Andy Roddick says beating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final launched Rafael Nadal into an all-time great

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick said beating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final catapulted… Read More

June 25, 2025