Sourav Ganguly Comes Out In Defence Of Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma: In an unexpected twist, the selectors, after the disappointing performance in the last T20 World Cup, seem to be reshuffling their strategies. This could mean an unexpected sidelining of well-established players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul in the T20 format. This decision, though surprising, was further solidified when the selectors decided to go with a relatively young squad for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. Notably, neither Virat nor Rohit made the cut.
Though it’s believed the aim is to manage the workload of these seasoned players ahead of the ODI World Cup, the BCCI hasn’t clearly laid out a T20 cricket structure. This has led to increased speculation and uncertainty. Sourav Ganguly, the former board president, has voiced his concerns, arguing for the inclusion of both Virat and Rohit in the T20 format. He strongly feels that both players have proven their worth and remain integral to the game’s shortest format.
Furthermore, Ganguly mentioned Virat’s stellar performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). This prompted him to question the rationale behind Virat’s exclusion from the T20 internationals. His quote reported by RevSportz encapsulates his viewpoint: “Pick your best players; it doesn’t matter who they are.”
Sourav Ganguly lends his support to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing T20’s
He then adds, “In my opinion, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have a place in T20I cricket.” Ganguly’s bafflement regarding the possible exclusion of these two players resonates throughout his statement. He strongly implies that they are still some of the best players, regardless of the cricket format.
However, it’s clear that the selectors’ decision might be more far-sighted than it appears at first glance. While some, like Ganguly, may question this decision, others may see it as an opportunity for the younger generation. There is an undeniable excitement in giving promising, young cricketers a chance to prove their mettle on such a big stage.
It’s indeed a challenging decision. On the one hand, the selectors are preserving key players for crucial upcoming matches like the ODI World Cup. On the other hand, they risk being seen as sidelining successful, experienced players from the T20 format. They also face the pressure of justifying the absence of these players if the new team fails to deliver.
Meanwhile, Ganguly’s perspective brings the argument back to selecting the best players, irrespective of their experience or the game format. His opinion serves as a potent reminder that cricket, at its core, is about performance and form.
Regardless, the move to invest in young talent cannot be dismissed as merely shortsighted. It could also be seen as a necessary step to groom future cricketing stars. The Indian cricket landscape is rich with emerging talent waiting for the right opportunity. The selectors’ decision might be just the platform they need.
While the debate rages on, the cricketing world waits with bated breath to see how this change pans out. Only time will tell if this decision was a masterstroke or a misstep. One thing is certain, though: the T20 cricket world is poised for an exciting shakeup.
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