Ex-India selector explains why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been recalled to T20I squad

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back in India’s T20I squad after a gap of 14 months. The stalwarts last played a T20I in November 2022 and it was felt that selectors have decided to give young players an opportunity in the slam-bang format. However, the selectors have now made a u-turn and Kohli and Rohit have been called back into the squad for the three-match T20I series vs Afghanistan that starts on 11 January.

Read: Major takeaways from India’s T20I squad

The decision has led to mixed reactions. While a section of fans and experts are unhappy that some of the youngsters are set to lose their spots in the T20I side due to the return of Kohli and Rohit, another group thinks that the veterans have still a lot of offer at the international stage in T20Is.

Both the batters also had a highly successful ODI World Cup.

Former India wicket-keeper and a former member of BCCI’s senior national team selection panel, Saba Karim, thinks that the return of Rohit and Kohli signals a “massive change” in the selector’s thinking process.

“There is no doubt now. Now that you have included both these players against Afghanistan, it means there has been a massive change in the selectors’ thinking. They feel they need experience for the World Cup. That’s why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback,” Karim told Sports18.

Karim explained that one of the reasons to bring back Rohit could be to make him the captain in the absence of Hardik Pandya who is out injured.

“There is another thing. Until now, the selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but questions are being raised because of Hardik Pandya’s injury. That’s why the selectors have gone back to Rohit Sharma to bring stability, both as a captain and a batter,” he added.

Ex-India selector explains why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been recalled to T20I squadRead More