The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the T20 squad since the T20 World Cup 2022 has sparked intense speculation. This hiatus extended to the 5-game T20 series against Australia following the ODI World Cup 2023. The duo is set to miss the upcoming limited-overs games against South Africa as well. The last glimpse of their on-field prowess was witnessed during the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, a match that ended in a hard-fought loss after an impressive streak of 10 consecutive victories leading up to the final.

Rumors and Speculations: The T20 World Cup 2024 Dilemma

Amidst this period of uncertainty, rumors have emerged suggesting that India might consider moving on from the seasoned pair, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in the T20 World Cup 2024. The decision by both players to make themselves unavailable for the white ball series against South Africa has only intensified the discussions surrounding their future in the T20 format. Andre Russell, the West Indies cricketer and a prominent voice in cricket downplayed the debate, emphasizing the invaluable experience and class that Rohit and Virat bring to the table.

Russell was quoted saying, “I don’t know why this is a big thing (the debate on Rohit and Virat). Social media can actually get in the way of cricketers by questioning their potential. Rohit with the experience and Virat being Virat, it would be madness if India pick a team for the (T20) World Cup and they are not in them.”

Backing Rohit and Kohli

Emphasising the significance of their contributions, Russell expressed hope that the cricket board would not succumb to media pressure. He asserted, “Rohit is a big game player. Kohli loves the big stage. When a player enjoys being in such a situation, he is not nervous or tentative. I would definitely give them this World Cup. Don’t treat big players like that. They have done so much for Indian cricket. They are right in that bracket of Sachin Tendulkar. So, it will be unfair to them. It will be madness if they are not picked.”

Notably, both Kohli and Rohit hold the top two positions in the history of T20I run-scorers. Rohit’s splendid captaincy during the ODI World Cup 2023 showcased his leadership acumen, even though the summit game victory eluded him. Kohli, on the other hand, emerged as the man of the tournament in the ODI World Cup 2023, amassing over 750 runs. His dominance extends to T20Is and T20 World Cups, where he is the leading run-scorer and a two-time recipient of the prestigious Player of the Tournament awards (2014 and 2016).

Rohit Sharma: Captaincy Brilliance

In the ODI World Cup 2023, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy stood out as proof of his strategic brilliance. The team’s journey to the final, marked by a flawless run of victories, showcased Rohit’s ability to navigate the challenges of high-stakes cricket. While the final result might not have been in India’s favor, Rohit’s leadership left a mark on the tournament.

Virat Kohli: Run-Machine and T20 Maestro

Virat Kohli‘s performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 solidified his status as a run-machine. With over 750 runs, he not only anchored the batting lineup but also earned the coveted title of the tournament’s man of the series. Beyond ODIs, Kohli’s prowess in T20 cricket is unparalleled. As the leading run-scorer in both T20Is and T20 World Cup history, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances on the grand stage.

The Verdict: A Plea for Continuity for Rohit and Kohli

In the face of ongoing debates and speculations, the numbers speak volumes about the enduring impact of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian cricket. Their records, both individually and as leaders, position them as irreplaceable assets. As the T20 World Cup 2024 looms, the cricket board faces a critical decision. The plea from Russell to honor their contributions resonates strongly, urging against sidelining these giants of Indian cricket.