2 of Indian cricket’s legendary Batters, former all-format Captain Virat Kohli and current ODI & Test team captain Rohit Sharma are yet to feature for India in T20Is since the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final exit against England. Sounds a little strange doesn’t it?
Both Rohit and Virat have been integral to India in all 3 formats for major parts of the last decade. However, following an embarrassing 10-wicket loss against England in Australia last year, the selectors even the new committee is reluctant to let the duo feature for India in the shortest format.
Team India have played 3 T20I series since October 2022 with Hardik Pandya leading the team in all 3. The Men in Blue toured to New Zealand right after the World Cup and it was the first instance where Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not find a place.
Up next India hosted Sri-Lanka for another 3-match T20I series without Kohli and Rohit, followed by another exclusion during a home T20I series against New Zealand back in February. 5 months later, India are preparing for a tour to West Indies after losing WTC 2023 Final in June against Australia.
While both the Batters have retained their spot in Tests and One-Days, new Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has followed suit of the previous selectors to drop Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the 5-match T20 series.
It is the same Virat Kohli who ended his 3-year long century drought in T20s itself. During Asia Cup 2022, Kohli ended his drought with a sensational century against Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma on the other hand is a master of winning IPL.
Even MS Dhoni had to “emulate” Rohit Sharma, so is it a good move?
