Excitement and anticipation loom as the India vs Afghanistan T20I series kicks off in Mohali on Thursday, marking the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the shortest format after over a year.
The spotlight intensifies on these two cricket stalwarts as the Indian team strategically prepares for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Post the 2022 T20 World Cup, speculations arose about the future of Kohli and Sharma in T20Is. However, the recent selection by BCCI for the last T20I series before the 2024 T20 World Cup indicates that both players are very much part of the team’s plans.
According to sources quoted by Cricbuzz, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, had discussions with Virat Kohli in Cape Town, outlining expectations and clarifying his role in the T20 format. While it’s uncertain if similar discussions transpired with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, including both veterans suggests a strategic approach by the selectors.
With a remarkable T20I record, Virat Kohli boasts 4008 runs in 115 matches at an impressive average of 52.73 and a strike rate of 137.96. Recently, during India’s challenging Test series against South Africa, Kohli became the first batter to amass 2000 runs in seven different calendar years, showcasing his consistency and class.
In the face of India’s defeat in the 1st Test, Kohli’s resilient innings of 76 off 82 balls against South Africa’s formidable pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Nandre Burger demonstrated his ability to anchor the innings. His aggregate of 2006 runs in 2023 adds another milestone to his illustrious career, achieved previously in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the T20I series against Afghanistan, the performances of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be under the microscope, providing insights into India’s T20 World Cup preparations and the future of these two cricket maestros in the shortest format.
