Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's T20I Return A Step Back For BCCI? Suresh Raina Says "If You Look At..."

11.01.2024 - 09:51 sports.ndtv.com

Contrary to the prevalent notion of it as a backward step, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina on Thursday termed the selection of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli into the national squad for the T20I series against Afghanistan as a wise call with the World Cup fast approaching.

Rohit and Kohli were included in India's T20 squad after a gap of 14 months, and Raina said their presence will give the squad a lot of solidity. "If you look at the World Cup venues (in the USA and the West Indies), the wicket will be a bit tricky.

India will need the experience of Rohit and Kohli there. Kohli is about to make 12000 runs in T20 cricket. So, their presence will boost India's batting.

Their presence will certainly better India's chances to win the T20 WC," said Raina, now an expert with JioCinema and Sports18, in a select interaction. "Their form in the ODI World Cup was very good, and Rohit brings in a lot of intent to the dressing room as the leader as well." Raina opined that Kohli should bat at No.

cricket India Cricket Team Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Usa India Afghanistan

Amid doubts over his T20I future, India captain Rohit Sharma dazzled with a century in the third and final game against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Rohit, who registered back-to-back ducks in the first two T20Is, smashed 121 off 69 balls to help India post 212/4. India were 21/4 before Rohit and Rinku Singh's unbeaten 190-run partnership put the hosts in the driver's seat. After Afghanistan levelled the scores to force a tie-breaker, Rohit once again bailed India out of trouble, smashing two sixes to take the game into a second Super Over.

"Virat Kohli Normally Does Not...": Skipper Rohit Sharma's Massive 'Intent' Remark In 3rd T20I

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma marked their T20I return in the 3-match series against Afghanistan, making a case for themselves for T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection. While Rohit redeemed himself in the 3rd T20I with a century, after incurring back-to-back ducks in the first two matches, Virat scored a solitary 16-ball 29 in the 2nd match before departing for a duck in the third. Though Kohli's runs with the bat might not have impressed many, his 'intent' certainly left a mark on the skipper Rohit.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Chase History, On Verge Of Massive Records Ahead Of 3rd Afghanistan T20I

With the series already in the bag, the Indian side will be eager to perfect its freshly-baked T20I template as a team and hope that skipper Rohit Sharma's bat finally fires when they face Afghanistan in the third and last match of the rubber in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Rohit needs only 44 runs to surpass Virat Kohli and become the India skipper with most T20I runs. Rohit currently has 1527 runs to his name as India's T20I skipper. Additionally, another win as India's T20I skipper will see Rohit surpassing MS Dhoni to become the most successful India captain in the format. Currently both are tied at 41.

"Virat Kohli Will Lose...": Ex India Cricketer's Big Warning To Star Batter On T20I Return

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's attacking approach during the second T20I between India and Afghanistan but also cautioned that if he starts playing at a much higher strike rate, he could lose his consistency, which has been one of his hallmarks. Fans in Indore and those watching through electronic devices had a reason to rejoice as 'King Kohli' made his return to the T20I format after more than a year following a crushing loss to England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal. Virat put aside all debates about his strike rate within a matter of a few bat swings, batting with a strike rate of well above 150 and often dancing down the pitch to smash his trademark shots. There were no signs of rust whatsoever as he entertained fans during his brief but electric stay at the crease.

Watch: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Can't Control Laughter As India Make Mockery Of Chase In 2nd T20I

India swept aside Afghanistan in the second T20I of a three-match series on Sunday, registering a six-wicket win at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. India captain Rohit Sharma became the first player to feature in 150 T20Is, while star batter Virat Kohli return to the side in the format after a gap of more than 14 months. After bowling Afghanistan out for 172, India achieved the target in 15.4 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Shivam Dube and youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India vs Afghanistan, 2nd T20I: Shubman Gill Dropped, Virat Kohli Returns. What Rohit Sharma Said At Toss

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Afghanistan in the second T20I in Indore on Sunday. At the toss, Rohit announced two changes as Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal returned after missing the series-opener. On the other hand, Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma missed out on a place in the XI. With the series against Afghanistan set to India's last assignment before the T20 World Cup in June, Rohit emphasised that the team wants to try out different things to prepare for the World Cup. As far as the changes were concerned, Rohit did not reveal any details.