The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is confronted with the task of convincing Rohit Sharma to lead the Indian T20 International (T20I) team, despite his initial reluctance following the 2022 World T20 semi-final exit. The decision looms as the BCCI prepares to announce the squads for the upcoming South Africa assignment in New Delhi on Thursday.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Convenor of the Selection Committee Ajit Agarkar are set to meet in New Delhi to discuss the squads and strategize for the next major event – the T20 World Cup.
With regular T20 skipper Hardik Pandya sidelined due to an ankle ligament tear, the choice for T20 captaincy is between entrusting Suryakumar Yadav or relying on Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills, which received widespread acclaim during the ODI World Cup.
Rohit had previously expressed his reluctance to play T20s, but his successful leadership in the ODI World Cup has persuaded the BCCI to consider his continuation in white-ball cricket until the T20 World Cup scheduled for June-July next year.
The BCCI source stated, “Yes, there remains a question of what happens when Hardik comes back, but in the BCCI, they feel that if Rohit agrees to lead in T20Is, he will lead in the T20 World Cup. In case Rohit doesn’t agree, then Suryakumar continues as captain for T20Is in South Africa.”
Virat Kohli has opted for a break from white-ball games in South Africa. The availability of Kohli and K.L. Rahul for T20Is will depend on their performance in the IPL, and Rahul’s role as a wicketkeeper-batter for Lucknow Super Giants.
The second challenge is workload management, with India scheduled to play six white-ball matches in 11 days, including three ODIs in five days. The BCCI is considering the sports science team’s advice to determine player rest and rotation.
In the Test squad, the return of Rahul and Shreyas Iyer after injury lay-offs might impact the playing XI, with questions surrounding Ajinkya Rahane’s inclusion and Rahul’s potential role as a wicketkeeper.
The pace bowling department is bolstered by Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, along with Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur. Mukesh Kumar emerges as a strong contender for the reserve pacer’s slot.
In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja is the first-choice spinner, with Ravichandran Ashwin and either Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav completing the lineup.
The batting lineup could witness changes, considering the disappointing form of Kona Bharat, who might only find a place if Rahul opts out of wicketkeeping duties.
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