IND vs AFG: "IPL Form Will Be..." - Sunil Gavaskar On Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's T20 WC Selection

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar opened up about the selection of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. He believes that the IPL form will be crucial for the duo because that will be the current form for them ahead of the tournament.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in the Indian T20I setup after a long gap of 14 months. They will be seen in action in the first T20I against Afghanistan, starting 11th January in Mohali. The duo missed a lot of action in between as youngsters were given chances.

But with one series remaining ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the duo is back. This will be a potential hint that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are very much in contention for the tournament. Them being back in the team in the format has not been welcomed by many as they feel that youngsters will be deprived of the chances.

Despite them being back in the T20I setup, there’s no clarity that they will be there for the team in the World Cup. Several reports have suggested that BCCI found it difficult to add one among Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad and their selection in the tournament will depend on the IPL form.

IPL reportedly is likely to decide their future for the T20 World Cup 2024. The questions about their place have been raised because of the kind of performances youngsters have put in. Their aggressive brand of cricket has impressed many and their fearless approach could well be the mantra to success in the World Cup.

Sunil Gavaskar however, feels that even if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play well in 5-6 games, they should be picked for the T20 World Cup 2024. The batting pointed out that the duo’s experience in the event would be handy. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

“I feel the IPL form will be crucial because that will be the current form. The Afghanistan series is in January. The World Cup is in June. So whoever has good form in March, April and May should be given consideration first, that performance should be given consideration.

“Along with that, I will also say that even if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have an ordinary IPL, but they score runs there, you cannot score runs in every match, but suppose they make good contributions in five out of 14 matches, you will have to take advantage of their experience, and you can probably pick them in the team.”

IND vs AFG: You can take them along with the team as well – Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Sunil Gavaskar further opined that even if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won’t be in the squad for the World Cup, the team should take them along. He while highlighting their experience said that it will boost youngsters’ confidence. He elaborated:

“I will also say that, it’s an out-of-the-box suggestion, you can take them along with the team as well, if you cannot pick them in the 14 (15), because of their experience. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in the dugout, imagine what will be the team’s confidence.”

All the eyes will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma when they step into the field for the T20I series against Afghanistan. The duo would be hoping to assert their authority back in the format and silence the critics.