BCCI Trying To Convince Rohit Sharma To Lead India In T20 World Cup 2024: Report
Rohit Sharma's commendable leadership during the ODI World Cup has compelled the BCCI to consider extending him as the captain for the T20 World Cup 2024.
In a bid to strategise and announce the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating persuading Rohit Sharma to take charge of the T20 format. This comes despite Rohit's initial reluctance following the team's exit from the 2022 World T20 semi-final as well their recent loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The crucial discussions are set to take place in the national capital on Thursday between BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, as claimed in a report by PTI.
With regular T20I captain Hardik Pandya sidelined due to an ankle ligament tear sustained in the ODI World Cup, the BCCI faces a decision between entrusting Suryakumar Yadav with the leadership or relying on Rohit Sharma's acclaimed captaincy skills demonstrated in the recent ODI World Cup. While Rohit had previously expressed his disinterest in playing T20 Internationals as per the same PTI report, his commendable leadership during the ODI World Cup has compelled the BCCI to consider extending his captaincy tenure until the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled in the Americas in June-July.
A source within the BCCI spoke to PTI on the condition of anonymity. "Yes, there remains a question about what happens when Hardik comes back, but in BCCI, they feel that if Rohit agrees to lead in T20Is, he will lead in the T20 World Cup. In case Rohit doesn't agree, then Surya continues as captain for T20Is in South Africa," the source was quoted as saying.
Virat Kohli Requests Break From White-Ball Games During South Africa Tour
It's noteworthy that Virat Kohli has requested a break from white-ball games during the South Africa tour.
The fate of Kohli and KL Rahul's inclusion in the T20Is depends on their performances in the upcoming IPL season. Rahul will feature in the T20Is only if he assumes the role of a keeper-batter for Lucknow Super Giants.
The second challenge for the Indian team is workload management, given the tight schedule of six white-ball matches in 11 days, including three 50-over games, followed by the commencement of the Test series on December 26.
"The BCCI has always given preference to that particular white ball format which has a global tournament in the next six months. ODIs post World Cup is third priority, and three ODIs is a lot. Hence if Rohit leads in T20Is, he might take rest to freshen up for Tests. It will be decided by the sports science team," the source explained.
In the Test squad, the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer from injury layoffs puts Ajinkya Rahane's position in jeopardy, and Cheteshwar Pujara faces slim chances of making the cut. The possibility of Rahul keeping wickets in Tests might pave the way for Rahane's inclusion. Howevr, Rahul keeping wickets in Test matches seems unlikely
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, along with Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, is set to bolster the fast-bowling department, with Mukesh Kumar emerging as a strong contender for the reserve pacer's slot.
The spin department will be led by Ravindra Jadeja, supported by Ravichandran Ashwin. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are the other options. Srikar Bharat though disappointing with the bat, might find a spot in the Test squad if Rahul decides against keeping wickets. The final squad announcements and strategic decisions will unfold as the BCCI officials meet to chart the course for the upcoming cricketing challenges in South Africa.
(With Inputs From PTI)
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