Former Indian all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi reckons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still deserve a place in India’s T20I team. After the T20 World Cup, the experienced duo was rested for the T20I series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli had finished as the leading run-getter of the T20 World Cup with 296 runs in six matches at an average of 98.67 but Rohit Sharma had failed to get going.
With the next T20 World Cup to be played in 2024, many cricket pundits feel the young players should be given more chances and the selectors should look beyond Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Speaking to India News Sports Reetinder Singh Sodhi said: “If India decide to go ahead with this new-look team, it means that you are overlooking the experienced players. The likes of Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi, and Umran Malik are definitely the future. However, I believe that many senior players still deserve a place in India’s T20I team.
“Selectors might not pick KL Rahul at the moment, but Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be considered. To form a strong team, a combination of experience and youth is required. It is quite possible that some of the players who did well against Sri Lanka may not find a place in the next series. You have to wait for your chances.”
The former Indian all-rounder believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still add value to the T20I team and both of them should be picked for the T20I series against New Zealand.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could still be a part of India’s T20 team. 2024 is not that far ahead. They still have a lot to offer, even if we talk about the age barrier. The form could be a factor, but you will have a better idea about that once they play some matches. For the time being, I believe both of these players should be there for the upcoming T20I series.”
India will face New Zealand in the three-match T20I as well as the three-match ODI series. The Rohit Sharma-led team will next take on Sri Lanka in three-match ODI series.
