Rohit maintains a realistic chance of leading India to another World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, given his stellar performance in the traditional format since assuming the role of opener in 2019.
Rohit Sharma is set to distance himself from T20 Internationals, as reported recently. Sources within the BCCI reveal that the Indian ODI and Test captain has discussed his potential withdrawal from the shortest format before the commencement of the 50-over Cricket World Cup. Since India’s T20 World Cup semi-final exit in November 2022, Rohit has not participated in any T20 matches, with Hardik Pandya taking on the leadership role in his absence. The 36-year-old skipper, having amassed 3853 runs in 148 T20Is at a strike rate of nearly 140 with four centuries, has voluntarily chosen to refrain from T20Is, emphasizing that this decision is entirely his own, as confirmed by a senior BCCI source on the condition of anonymity following extensive discussions with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
With Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad as proven IPL performers, India boasts four openers after Rohit. However, if the younger players fail to deliver, selectors or the BCCI may prompt a reconsideration of Rohit’s stance. Understanding the importance of workload management and injury prevention at this stage of his career, Rohit Sharma is gearing towards focusing primarily on red-ball cricket, especially with seven Tests scheduled between December 2023 and March 2024. Despite stepping back from T20Is, Rohit maintains a realistic chance of leading India to another World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, given his stellar performance in the traditional format since assuming the role of opener in 2019.
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In the realm of fast bowling, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the attack in the two-Test series in South Africa alongside Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. However, with a hectic schedule of five Tests against England early next year, the pace trio will be rotated during the series. Despite concerns about Bumrah’s ability to return to red-ball cricket following a prolonged injury-induced break due to a lower back stress fracture, insiders assert that he is in prime condition for a comeback. The BCCI source affirms Bumrah’s readiness, expressing confidence in his potential participation in the T20 World Cup if all progresses as planned. Rohit Sharma is also not a part of the T20I series against Australia at home which starts on 23nd November.
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