Two of India’s top batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, haven’t played in any T20 international matches for their nation this year. Both Kohli and Rohit have been absent from the shortest format matches because Hardik Pandya has been captaining the Indian team. For several other veterans, such as Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, etc., the circumstance is the same. When asked in an interview why he and Virat weren’t playing in T20Is, Rohit delivered a response that confused the reporter. Read on to know all about Virat & Rohit.
The T20 World Cup was scheduled, thus the players elected not to play ODIs, as was the case last year, Rohit said in elaborating on his and other top players’ absence.
Virat & Rohit not playing T20Is:
“We skipped one-day cricket last year because the T20 World Cup was taking place. We are continuing in the same way and excluding the T20 format as the ODI World Cup has started. You cannot prepare for the World Cup while playing every position. We made this decision two years ago. (Ravindra) Jadeja does not participate in T20; why didn’t you inquire about him? I am aware of the attention (on Virat and himself). But Jadeja isn’t playing either,” Rohit said in response to the reporter’s query.
Both Rohit and Virat will next be seen at the Asia Cup, which starts at the end of this month. The Asia Cup will offer the Indian squad a good sense of what to expect at the upcoming World Cup, which Rohit’s team would be eager to win after their previous ICC trophy win ten years ago.
When the ODI World Cup is done, it will be interesting to see if Rohit and Kohli join India for the T20 World Cup. The Hitman has previously stated his excitement for the upcoming T20I World Cup, which is set to take place in 2024.
So, this was all about Virat & Rohit playing for T20Is For India. Also read, Tilak Varma to play 2023 ODI World Cup? Rohit Sharma opines.