"I Would Like To See Them" - Irfan Pathan Wants Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli To Play T20 World Cup 2024

Irfan Pathan has voiced his opinion on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s inclusion in India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Rohit and Virat both have requested a break from the white-ball leg of India’s upcoming tour of South Africa. There’s still no clarity on the duo’s availability for the T20 World Cup and whether they are in the scheme of things.

During a discussion on the Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’, Irfan Pathan was asked about Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. He replied in the affirmative, “I personally would like to see them. The reason for that is where we are playing in the World Cup. The World Cup is in the West Indies, and those pitches have changed. Obviously, it’s an ICC event, the pitches will be better. That’s what we hope as far as the batting conditions are concerned.”

The cricketer-turned-commentator feels Rohit and Kohli’s experience in the shortest format will be useful in the tough conditions expected in the Caribbean Islands, “However, if you look at the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and local cricket there as well, the batters need to work really hard. This is where the experience comes in. We played really well in the 50-over World Cup, except for one game, so you don’t want to change too many things.”

Irfan Pathan Wants Rohit Sharma To Lead India In The Upcoming T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma has amassed 381 runs at a blistering average of 47.62 striking at 149.41 in 11 T20I innings in the West Indies and USA. Whereas, Virat Kohli has had a muffled bat in the Islands, managing just 175 runs in six innings at an average of 29.17 and a strike rate of 125.00.

Irfan Pathan mentioned that Rohit Sharma was brilliant in leading the team from the front in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, “A lot of people are talking about the need for a fresh approach in T20 cricket, but I think guys like Rohit Sharma, the way he is going at the moment, he has been the real leader of Indian cricket.”

The former India all-rounder concluded by opining that the Hitman should lead the Men in Blue again in the T20 World Cup, with Virat Kohli also being there in the squad, “The way he has changed the approach, taken the responsibility on his shoulders and taken the team forward, he has actually changed the mindset. That is why I really hope that Rohit Sharma continues as the leader, and at the same time, you can always use guys like Virat Kohli and his experience.”

Rohit Sharma has a brilliant record as a T20I captain scoring 1527 runs at an average of 32.48 and striking at the rate of 147.39 in 51 T20Is. He led India to the semifinals of the ICC  T20 World Cup 2022 before they were eliminated following a crushing defeat against England.