As the BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah assured that Rohit Sharma will lead Team India in the T20 World Cup. The event is planned to happen in June in both West Indies and USA. Jay Shah also showed trust in the leading hitman, expressing he could guide India toward tournament triumph.
With Hardik Pandya guiding India in the shortest format from the previous World Cup till the T20I series against Afghanistan in 2024, the all-rounder was expected to lead the Men in Blue in the last tournament. Nonetheless, India seems poised to continue with Rohit, after the BCCI Secretary put a stop to any uncertainty.
Speaking during the renaming of the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium as the Niranjan Shah Stadium, the 35-year-old stated that the selectors and management support Rohit as captain. He said:
“I have not made any comments about the 2023 World Cup, in which we lost the final in Ahmedabad. However, I can assure you that India will clinch the T20 World Cup in Barbados on June 29 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. At this point in time, Rohit is an all-format captain. It is a collective decision, and the selectors are fully aligned on the matter. Hardik Pandya will retain his position as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup.”
“If you recall the Afghanistan T20I match, we were in a tough spot at 27 for four, but Rohit’s remarkable century turned the game around. We can’t question his abilities. Although we won ten consecutive games in the World Cup, we fell short in the final. It’s part and parcel of the game.”
Jay Shah
India advanced to the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad after winning ten consecutive matches easily. However, Australia upset them on the night of the final, winning by six wickets.
“If your captain and coach instruct you to play, you must comply and participate in red-ball cricket” – Jay Shah
With Indian players supposedly skipping red-ball cricket in order to stay fit for the IPL 2024, Jay Shah said he will write to them personally, emphasizing the need of playing lengthier forms. He added:
“It is a significant issue. I will be writing to all the players tomorrow. If your captain and coach instruct you to play, you must comply and participate in red-ball cricket. This directive applies to all players who are not at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). We will ensure that injured players do not risk aggravating their injuries by playing red-ball cricket and jeopardizing their chances in white-ball cricket. However, this directive applies to all young and fit players.”
Jay Shah
The next, or third, cricket Test involving India and England takes place in Rajkot. It all kicks off on the Thursday, February 15.
