Before they announce the team for the important tour to South Africa on Thursday, important people from the Indian cricket board will talk to Rohit Sharma. They want him to be the captain for the T20 matches. After India lost in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2022, some people didn’t like how Rohit led the team.
Because of this, he hasn’t played T20 matches for a year. The BCCI Secretary and the head of the Selection Committee will meet in Delhi to talk about the team and make plans for the next big tournament, the T20 World Cup.
BCCI wants Rohit Sharma to return to T20.
The BCCI is keen on having Rohit Sharma back in T20 cricket. The usual T20 captain, Hardik Pandya, is out for another month due to an ankle injury from the ODI World Cup. Surya Kumar Yadav has been chosen to lead the team in the upcoming five-match T20 series against Australia.
However, with approximately seven months remaining until the T20 World Cup and preparations in full swing, the board is urging Rohit Sharma to make a comeback in T20 and resume the captaincy role.
What if when Pandya Return?
If Hardik Pandya returns, it adds an interesting dynamic to the captaincy situation. While earlier reports suggested that Rohit Sharma wasn’t keen on playing T20s, his leadership in the ODI World Cup has convinced the BCCI that he should continue playing limited-overs cricket until the T20 World Cup in June-July.
In the scenario where Rohit Sharma agrees to captain in T20 Internationals, it is likely that he will lead the team in the T20 World Cup. However, if Rohit doesn’t agree, then Surya Kumar Yadav might continue as the captain for the T20 matches against South Africa. The final decision hinges on Rohit Sharma’s willingness to take on the captaincy role in T20 cricket.
Decision may also be taken on Rahul’s return to T20
Virat Kohli wants a break from South Africa’s short cricket matches. Whether he plays again depends on how well he does in the IPL. KL Rahul might come back to T20 matches, but it depends on how he performs as captain in the IPL.
They also have to be careful about players getting tired because India has six matches in 11 days in South Africa, including three longer games. Decisions will be made based on how the players are feeling and playing.
Focus will also be on workload management
Taking care of players’ workload is important. After a break of five days, the Test series between the two countries will start on December 26. The cricket board cares more about short cricket matches, especially with ICC tournaments coming up.
After the World Cup, one-day matches are not as important. If Rohit leads in T20 matches, he might take a break to be ready for Test matches. The decision will be made by the sports science team.
Team Choices for South Africa
The team for the South Africa tour, set to be announced on November 30, is likely to see the return of Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to the Test series, while uncertainties surround Rahane’s spot. If Rahul takes up wicketkeeping in Tests and Ishan Kishan becomes the second wicketkeeper, an additional batsman like Rahane could make it.
Bumrah is fit, supported by Shami, Siraj, and Thakur. Mukesh Kumar is a strong contender for the reserve fast bowler spot. Jadeja is the first-choice spinner, with Ashwin, Patel, or Yadav vying for a place. Shrikar Bharat’s chance depends on Rahul’s wicketkeeping decision.
Also Read: Top 10 Cricketers, Legends: Records and Achievements on the Game