Irfan Pathan believes that India will require the experience of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on and off the field in the T20 World Cup 2024, given the number of unfamiliar pitches they will encounter during the tournament.
The T20 World Cup 2024 schedule was unveiled on January 5, placing India in a group with Ireland, Pakistan, USA, and Canada. India’s campaign, starting on June 5, will feature three group-stage matches in New York and the final one in Florida.
Irfan Pathan Explains Why India Needs Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma For T20 World Cup 2024
The major question leading up to the tournament is the availability of Virat Kohli and Rohit. Both players haven’t featured in any T20Is since India’s exit from the World Cup in 2022. However, reports suggest that both are eager to participate in the T20 World Cup scheduled for June this year.
In an interview with Star Sports, Irfan Pathan expressed his wish to see Kohli back in the T20 format, highlighting his regained form during the T20 World Cup 2022 and IPL 2023.
Pathan further recommended that the unfamiliar pitches in the USA and the Caribbean demand the presence of experienced campaigners to strengthen the squad. He said:
“Personally, I would like to see Virat on the pitch because when we talk about two years back, definitely he was not in his best form. But the last IPL and T20 were one of the most amazing tournaments for him. Also, when you are playing in countries like West Indies and the USA, there are quite a few unknown pitches, and here you will need experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both on and off the field,”
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli are keen to play the T20 World Cup in June. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/nHgThnO9tT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 2, 2024
Pathan concluded by stating that the decision to include both stars would be made by the team management, contingent on their fitness. Nevertheless, the former cricketer expressed his eagerness to witness the performances of both players in the T20 World Cup, especially considering Rohit’s return to form. He said:
“The playing of both the players also depends upon team management and their fitness, but I would love seeing both of them on the field, especially when Rohit has also changed his form and has been making a lot of runs in One Day Cricket,”
Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar Salutes David Warner’s Remarkable Test Career With A Special Tweet
