ICC T20 World Cup 2024: “Absolutely No Doubt" - MSK Prasad Backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli For WC

Former India selector MSK Prasad strongly believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that the Afghanistan series is the right time for the duo to make a return and get into the groove for the tournament.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made a return to the Indian T20I team after a long gap of 14 months. The duo were included in the team for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. The games will be played from 11th to 17th January in Punjab, Indore, and Bengaluru.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to the team however haven’t confirmed their place in the team for the T20 World Cup 2024. There were reports recently that suggested that their selection will depend on the form with will show in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

However, there is no clarity as of now. Rohit Sharma is back in the team as captain whereas Virat Kohli no doubt will take the No.3 spot in Afghanistan series. With them being the pioneers of Indian cricket, it would be a brave call if selectors don’t pick them for the T20 World Cup 2024.

MSK Prasad said that he would prefer the best team for the T20 World Cup 2024 and he would play seniors instead of injured players. He also stressed on the fact that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli needed a break after the World Cup 2023 but the Afghanistan series will be the right time for them to come back. Speaking to Star Sports, he stated:

“I would prefer to have the best possible team. The reason is that these are the only 3 T20Is that left before the IPL. But, for the injured players, I would definitely prefer to have our main players. Let’s not forget, that Afghanistan is a very competitive side. I do understand that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were given a little bit of a break during the South Africa tour. 

“That break was needed, after a mega event like the World Cup, the break was needed. Fortunately, they got a healthy break and we have done reasonably well with youngsters. In my opinion, there is absolutely no doubt that they will be part of the T20 World Cup. Hence they should start playing right from this series.” 

T20 World Cup 2024: Both of them should be considered – MSK Prasad on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

MSK Prasad further spoke about why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli didn’t play T20Is after the last T20 World Cup 2022. The former BCCI selector believes that the duo was focusing on ODIs and that’s why youngsters were given opportunities.

MSK Prasad further added that with the T20 World Cup 2024 around, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be considered. He elaborated:

“Last year, we were heading toward the ODI World Cup. So predominantly, they wanted to focus more on ODI. That’s the reason they have given opportunities to other youngsters. That’s a wonderful thing from both of them – the selectors and these two stalwarts and the team management who have thought it right. 

“Now that we are heading towards the T20 World Cup, both of them should be considered. I think I have answered the question as to why they both were not available.” 

All the eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they take the field in the T20I series against Afghanistan. Their form will be crucial in the context of their selection for the T20 World Cup 2024.