Pick Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma For T20 WC 2024, With Rohit As Captain: Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has expressed his support for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Gautam Gambhir suggested that Rohit Sharma should lead the national team in the upcoming T20 World Cup next year.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been absent from T20I cricket since the team’s 10-wicket defeat in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has captained the T20I squad since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, suggesting a potential shift in leadership.

Both Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Should Be Picked – Gautam Gambhir

In a conversation with Sportskeeda, Gautam Gambhir picked Rohit Sharma as the leader of the Indian team for next year’s World Cup. Gambhir emphasized the importance of having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad for the marquee tournament.

“Absolutely, both [Kohli and Rohit] need to be picked, both should be picked. And, more importantly, I want to see Rohit Sharma captain in the T20 World Cup. Yes, Hardik Pandya has captained in T20Is, but I still want to see Rohit Sharma captain in the T20 World Cup,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda.

“In this World Cup, he has showed that with his batting. If Rohit Sharma is picked, Virat Kohli will automatically get picked. If Rohit Sharma decides to play the T20 World Cup, he should be selected as a captain and not just as a batter,” he added.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and the USA from June 4 to 30 next year. In August, Rohit Sharma expressed his eagerness to be part of the World Cup squad and confirmed his availability for selection.

I’ll Pick Both Of Them – Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasizing their crucial roles as main players for India. Akram highlighted the necessity of experience in the World Cup, stating that relying solely on young players is not feasible.

“The T20 World Cup is happening within six months. I’ll pick both of them. They will be the main players for India – Virat and the skipper Rohit Sharma, no doubt about it. You need a bit of experience in T20. Saare young bachche nahi rakh sakte aap [You cannot pick only youngsters],” Akram said.

Also read: Bizarre Statement! Gautam Gambhir Drops Bombshell On ‘Best Team Didn’t Win World Cup’ Assessment