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Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has pinpointed the decisive factor essential for the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Key contenders for T20 World Cup 2024 squad
The duo, having recently excelled in the ODI World Cup 2023, emerged as the top two run-scorers during India’s commendable campaign. Despite their stellar ODI performances, Kohli and Rohit have been absent from India’s T20 side since the disappointing loss to England in the World Cup semi-final last year. As discussions unfold about the upcoming T20 World Cup squad, the deliberation revolves around whether to rely on the experience of Rohit and Kohli or provide opportunities to fresh faces unburdened by past setbacks.
Hardik Pandya’s leadership
Hardik Pandya has assumed the leadership role in the Indian T20 side since the previous World Cup in the absence of experienced players, steering the team through various challenges. However, during the ongoing five-match series against Australia, Suryakumar Yadav has taken the captaincy reins in Hardik’s absence due to injury.
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Kevin Pietersen reveals the decisive factor
Pietersen, now, emphasized that Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup could pivot on their performances in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pietersen recognized the IPL as a crucial platform where players exhibit their form and readiness for international challenges. Furthermore, he has acknowledged that given their illustrious careers, Rohit and Kohli have earned the right to make decisions about their participation in the T20 World Cup, reflecting the players’ autonomy in such matters.
“They ( Kohli and Rohit) have every chance, would have to see how they go in IPL, check them in the IPL,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
“Because they have been so incredible servants to Indian cricket, you have to give them the respect and you have to ask them that according to form whether they fancy their chances or not. They are fabulous cricketers,” the 43-year-old concluded.
