Ex-India opener Gautam Gambhir supports Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2024 T20 World Cup play in the West Indies and U.S. from June 4 to 30. In a powerful statement, Gambhir suggested Rohit as the captain for the ICC event, not just a batter.
Rohit and Kohli haven’t had any T20 cricket play for India since their 10-wicket loss to England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-finals in Adelaide. And, often, Hardik Pandya has led T20I teams post the World Cup. This hints at a possible change in leadership.
During a chat with Sportskeeda, Gambhir declared that Rohit and Kohli should certainly play the T20 World Cup. But also, that Rohit, or the “Hitman,” should be the leader of the Men in Blue.
“Absolutely, both [Kohli and Rohit] need to be picked, both should be picked. And, more importantly, I want to see Rohit Sharma captain in the T20 World Cup. Yes, Hardik Pandya has captained in T20Is, but I still want to see Rohit Sharma captain in the T20 World Cup.”
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir praised Rohit as a wonderful leader, citing his performance in the just ended ODI World Cup, and added:
“In this World Cup, he has showed that with his batting. If Rohit Sharma is picked, Virat Kohli will automatically get picked. If Rohit Sharma decides to play the T20 World Cup, he should be selected as a captain and not just as a batter.”
Gautam Gambhir
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli and Rohit were the top two run scorers. Virat Kohli scored 765 runs in 11 innings, averaging 95.62 and striking out 90.32 times. Rohit, on the other hand, hammered 597 at an average of 54.27 and a strike rate of 125.95, helping the squad get off to a flying start.
Wasim Akram supports Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in 2024 T20 World Cup squad
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, like Gambhir, has encouraged Kohli and Rohit to be part of India’s T20 World Cup side in 2024. Akram believes that the two older players will be important components of the squad and that the club cannot rely just on youthful players.
“The T20 World Cup is happening within six months. I’ll pick both of them. They will be the main players for India – Virat and the skipper Rohit Sharma, no doubt about it. You need a bit of experience in T20. Saare young bachche nahi rakh sakte aap [You cannot pick only youngsters],” Akram commented.
In addition, Kohli and Rohit are the top two T20I run scorers. The former has 4008 runs in 115 games, while the latter has 3853 runs in 148 games.