India's lineup for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan has been announced, with the selection committee under Ajit Agarkar confirming that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are locked in for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian skipper, believes that even after a 14-month break from T20 internationals, the two veterans will be crucial in spearheading the team's batting efforts.
With the announcement of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has confirmed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2024. Even though the two veteran batters have taken a break of nearly 14 months in the shortest format of games, former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will lead the Men In Blue’s batting charge at the ICC event.
The 2024 ICC World T20 will be held in June, with the West Indies and the USA serving as co-hosts. Both Rohit and Kohli have been away from T20I cricket since the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against England. Although there was an expectation that they would return to the fold after the ODI World Cup last November, their extended break created significant uncertainty regarding their future in the format.
In a previous discussion, Ganguly expressed his full support for including both Kohli and Rohit in the T20 World Cup squad. He specifically emphasized that Rohit should hold the captaincy, countering suggestions that Hardik Pandya should step in as the leader if Rohit were to miss out.
\"It's a given that Rohit should lead the side in the T20 World Cup, and Virat Kohli absolutely needs to be part of that squad,\" Ganguly remarked, noting that Kohli's exceptional talent means a long break won't hinder his performance. Ganguly also praised Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent form during the Test series in South Africa, highlighting his strong performance in the second Test as a promising start to a career that will surely bring plenty of opportunities.