Former Indian cricket legend Mohammad Kaif passionately stresses that the impending 2024 T20 World Cup signifies the ultimate opportunity for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to grasp the elusive trophy. The esteemed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has enlisted these distinguished cricketers in the lineup fueling hopes for a triumphant return.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli abandoned the shortest format following the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, returning only for a three-match series against Afghanistan in January of this year. The former played all three games of the series, scoring an undefeated 121 in the last encounter, while Kohli appeared in two.
Several observers believed that selecting Kohli and Rohit for the major event would be a step backward, but the selectors put their trust in the senior bats.
With only a few days till the big competition, Kaif believes that the T20 World Cup may be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s final chance to win a major championship.
“Rohit Sharma knows he isn’t going to play for too long now. Just two to three years more. Same with Virat Kohli,” Kaif said on Star Sports. “So this is the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They lost the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. They played as if they had the cup snatched away from them. Hearts were broken and fans were devastated.”
Mohammad Kaif
India stood as clear favorites to secure the ODI World Cup while hosting the tournament last year. They powered through every challenger to make it to the title decider but faced a stunning defeat by Australia in an electrifying final at the bustling Narendra Modi Stadium.
Kohli and Rohit the tournaments highest runscorers unfortunately could not lead the team to victory in the final marking a missed opportunity filled with regret.
“There are only two main matches” – Mohammad Kaif on India’s biggest challenge in the T20 World Cup
Mohammad Kaif opined that Indias current group presents a favorable scenario projecting a straightforward entry into the semifinals. He perceives the impending semifinal and final showdowns as the ultimate litmus test for the Men in Blue.
Rohit Sharma and his team will face Pakistan, Canada, Ireland, and co-hosts the United States in Group A.
“India hardly have competition in the group stage. There are only two main matches – the semi-final and the final. Are you ready for those two days? That’s the biggest test for Rohit Sharma.”
Mohammad Kaif
India’s T20 World Cup campaign will begin on June 5 against Ireland in New York.