The dynamic duo, absent from T20 cricket since the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal, received a call-up for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, creating a mix of anticipation and confusion.
Srikkanth voiced his belief in Rohit Sharma’s comeback, pointing to the cricketer’s determination to recover from the ODI World Cup final defeat against Australia. At 36 years old, Rohit’s eagerness for redemption, coupled with his stellar performances in previous World Cups, positions him as a formidable contender for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
“Virat Kohli is a certainty. He is in great form. Rohit Sharma, maybe, is confident because of how he scored in the World Cup. If Rohit Sharma says I am available, you can’t say you will drop him. At the end of the day, Rohit Sharma is also hurt that he has lost a World Cup. He would like to go out with a World Cup in his hand at least. He was there in the 2007 World Cup. He would want to do something similar, win a World Cup, and go out,” remarked Srikkanth on his YouTube channel, recognising Rohit’s resilience and ambition to exit on a high note.
Srikkanth underscored Kohli’s outstanding form, labelling him as indispensable and emphasising his keenness to secure victory in the T20 World Cup. Despite being recognised as one of the all-time greats, Kohli is still in pursuit of the T20 World Cup title, a coveted achievement that undoubtedly fuels his aspirations.
“Virat Kohli would definitely want to win a T20 World Cup. Moreover, last year only the T20 World Cup took place, 13 months back. Virat Kohli was in extraordinary form. If they say they are available, I don’t think you can drop them,” asserted the 64-year-old cricket pundit.
The inclusion of Rohit and Kohli for Afghanistan T20Is adds an additional layer of intrigue to India’s quest for T20 World Cup glory in the Caribbean and the United States, commencing on June 1.
(With IANS inputs)