In South Africa, Rohit Sharma has an opportunity to make up for World Cup loss, says Sunil Gavaskar

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opted for rest after India’s World Cup 2023 final defeat against Australia. They were not part of the squad that took on Australia in the T20Is and will also be absent from the white-ball series against South Africa.

However, both these batters will be back for India in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled after the T20I and ODIs. India have never won a Test series in South Africa, hence, the opportunity is there for Rohit to lead his side to a monumental achievement. Sunil Gavaskar, the former India captain, believes the Test series presents an opportunity for the duo to bounce back from the World Cup setback.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were really at the peak of their powers in the last 6-8 months. Like Jacques Kallis said Rohit Sharma is going to be key for India in the Test series. Rohit Sharma will have a big role to play to set up the No. 3, 4, 5. Whatever happens, this is Rohit Sharma’s opportunity to make up for the World Cup final loss,” Gavaskar told broadcaster Star Sports.

India are currently focused on preparations for the T20 World Cup, and after their 4-1 win over Australia, they will be keen to continue this momentum in South Africa. The first match of the series in Durban was washed out. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav leads the T20I team. The squad has a number of young talents like Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi and these players need to have a cracking series to stay in contention for the T20 World Cup.

There were reports that Rohit Sharma was asked to lead the side for this tour to South Africa, but the right-hander asked for a break from the white-ball leg of the Tour.

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