In the aftermath of the World Cup 2023 final loss, Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, is now faced with the inevitable reckoning of his prospects in the country’s white-ball squads in the days to come.
Despite delivering an exceptional performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, India fell short of clinching the title due to a lackluster batting display in the finals. Despite the team’s disappointment, Rohit Sharma has been widely praised for his captaincy and the bold brand of cricket he showcased throughout the tournament. As the World Cup chapter closes, BCCI officials are keen to chart the course for the future.
Currently, discussions are in the pipeline between the officials and Rohit Sharma regarding his future plans in white-ball cricket. Entrusted with the captaincy role in 2021, Rohit’s primary objective was guiding India to success in the T20 World Cup 2022 and the ODI World Cup 2023. Despite the efforts of Rohit and coach Rahul Dravid, the team fell short of claiming either trophy. Consequently, the BCCI is now focused on understanding Rohit’s future intentions and making strategic decisions for India’s cricketing roadmap.
The T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner, set to take place in the West Indies in seven months. India has three more T20I series lined up before the big event: 5 T20Is against Australia, followed by 3 T20Is in South Africa, and then another 3 T20Is against Afghanistan. The IPL 2024 will follow these series, leading up to the T20 WC in June. It’s worth noting that Rohit Sharma, aged 36, has already been given a break during the T20I series against Australia.
According to sources close to The Times of India, Rohit has conveyed to chief selector Ajit Agarkar and other officials that he is open to not being considered for T20Is. While winning the ODI World Cup has always been Rohit’s aspiration, the reality of his age, turning 40 by the time the tournament returns, may influence his decision to step back. However, there is the looming Champions Trophy just two years away, providing a potential avenue for Rohit to contribute. During this interim period, he could play a crucial role in grooming younger talents. Considering Hardik’s susceptibility to injuries, the BCCI may also explore alternative options.
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“Before the ODI World Cup, Rohit had communicated that he is fine not being considered for T20Is. The selectors have been investing heavily in youth in T20Is for the last year. With the T20 World Cup happening in June next year, they are reluctant to deviate from that strategy for a longer period of time,” TOI quoted a source.
Rohit Sharma hasn’t featured in a T20I match since India’s semi-final exit in Australia last year, which took place in Adelaide against England. Hardik Pandya took charge of the T20I team this year, but unfortunately, he won’t be available for the upcoming series against Australia due to an injury. Suryakumar Yadav will step up to captain the side in the absence of KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, who are also taking a break.
“As of now, it seems Rohit will be focusing a lot of his energy on the Test format for the next cycle of the World Test Championship which runs till 2025. Grooming a captain for the longer formats is a key part of the agenda. With Hardik Pandya prone to injuries, selectors may look for options in ODIs,” the source further added.
