Don't think Jay Shah's announcement was a surprise - Anil Kumble backs Rohit Sharma to lead India in T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble has endorsed Rohit Sharma to lead the national team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Anil Kumble stated that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s announcement of Rohit Sharma as captain for the World Cup came as no surprise.

Following India‘s defeat in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-finals against England, Rohit Sharma was absent from T20Is for an extended period. However, the 36-year-old made his comeback to the team during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan last month.

The veteran opener was dismissed for ducks in the first two matches. However, he rebounded with a remarkable century in the thrilling series finale. His performance led India to a commanding 3-0 series victory in their final T20I assignment before the World Cup.

Rohit Sharma Is An All-Format Captain – Jay Shah

During a media interaction on Wednesday, Jay Shah affirmed Rohit Sharma’s status as an all-format captain. Shah also expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma’s leadership, predicting victory in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“At this point in time, Rohit is an all-format captain. It is a collective decision, and the selectors are fully aligned on the matter. Hardik Pandya will retain his position as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup,” Shah said.

“I have not made any comments about the 2023 World Cup, in which we lost the final in Ahmedabad. However, I can assure you that India will clinch the T20 World Cup in Barbados on June 29 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy,” he added.

I Don’t Think Was A Surprise – Anil Kumble

Speaking to Sports18, Anil Kumble emphasized Rohit Sharma‘s contributions as captain, highlighting the importance of stability in leadership. Kumble expressed no surprise at Shah’s announcement naming Rohit as India’s skipper for the T20 World Cup.

“The Rohit Sharma announcement, I don’t think was a surprise because I certainly believe that we need that stability, especially at the top. Rohit is someone who has done exceptionally well as India’s captain,” said Kumble.

The Rohit Sharma-led side entered the 2023 World Cup final as favorites to win the title. The home team won 10 consecutive matches but suffered a six-wicket defeat to Australia in the final match. India has failed to win an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma’s IPL Form Hasn’t Been Special – Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble noted that Rohit Sharma’s recent IPL T20 performances weren’t exceptional, but his skill as a player remains undeniable. The former spinner highlighted Sharma’s ability to stabilize the team during challenging moments.

“His T20 form in the IPL hasn’t been special in the last couple of years but he’s a quality player. We saw against Afghanistan, when the team was struggling a bit he came and scored that wonderful hundred. It’s important you have that kind of stability going into the T20 World Cup,” Kumble added.

The Indian team is placed in Group A alongside Ireland, Pakistan, the United States, and Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5th.

Also read: “Always wanted to be challenged all the time” – Rohit Sharma opens up on playing opener role