Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is set to step away from T20 International cricket, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed.
Rohit, who recently led India to the final of the ODI World Cup 2023, is unlikely to feature in T20Is in the foreseeable future, having not played a single game in the format since India’s T20 World Cup semi-final exit in November 2022.
The decision reportedly stems from discussions Rohit Sharma had with the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, before the commencement of the 50-over World Cup.
The 36-year-old batsman, who has played 148 T20Is and amassed 3853 runs with a strike rate of nearly 140, is said to have volunteered to stay away from T20 Internationals. The move allows him to focus on preserving his fitness and ensuring an injury-free tenure, particularly with a busy Test schedule ahead.
HARDIK PANDYA AS LEADER
Since Rohit’s hiatus from T20Is, Hardik Pandya has predominantly led the Indian team in the shortest format.
The decision aligns with a broader strategy aimed at nurturing leadership potential within the squad, providing valuable exposure to emerging players.
With Rohit Sharma’s decision, the spotlight now turns to a younger generation of openers, including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
All four have proven themselves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and present viable options for the team’s opening partnership. However, the selectors and BCCI acknowledge that Rohit might be called upon if the younger crop faces challenges in delivering consistent performances.
