Former England swashbuckling batter Kevin Pietersen reckons it will be interesting to note how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform in the Indian Premier League 2023. Pietersen feels the experienced duo’s IPL form will play a key role in their potential return to the 2024 T20 World Cup.

While Kohli has scored 4008 runs in 115 T20I matches at an average of 52.74, Rohit has amassed 3853 runs in 148 matches at an average of 30.82.

Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), Pietersen said, “They ( Kohli and Rohit) have every chance, would have to see how they go in IPL, check them in the IPL,” Pietersen said. “Because they have been so incredible servants to Indian cricket, you have to give them the respect and you have to ask them that according to form whether they fancy their chances or not. They are fabulous cricketers.”

Pietersen added that IPL form will go a long way as there won’t be much gap between the final and the start of the T20 World Cup.

“IPL form is going to go a long way, because the final of the IPL and T20 World Cup 2024 wouldn’t have much gap in between,” Pietersen continued. “Might be a swansong for couple of them. Let’s wait and see, those kind of players who have dedicated their life to playing for India deserve the respect too.”

Rohit and Virat have got all the experience and they are going to hold the key in the all-important 2024 T20 World Cup.