After the dramatic twists and turns of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where India faced heartbreak in a thrilling final against Australia, cricket enthusiasts now turn their attention to the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.
Reflecting on the aftermath of India’s defeat, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif shines a light on Rohit Sharma’s leadership amidst the debris, emphasizing the necessity of having “skipper Rohit” in the T20 World Cup 2024.
India’s journey to the ODI World Cup final included an impressive run of ten consecutive victories, culminating in a showdown with Australia in Ahmedabad. Despite a formidable performance, a modest score of 240 and an unyielding Australian chase led to India conceding the 50-over world title. As the T20 World Cup looms, the pivotal question emerges: Will Rohit Sharma continue to lead the Indian side, or will a new captain emerge?
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Kaif, acknowledging Rohit’s brilliance as both player and leader, argues that Rohit’s captaincy is indispensable, particularly in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
“Rohit Sharma has to be there because he has got the leadership quality,” Kaif told IANS, underscoring the significance of Rohit’s role in guiding a team that displayed resilience and skill throughout the ODI World Cup.
“The way he led in the 50 years World Cup, he has done a fantastic job as a leader. Without your prime all-rounder (Hardik Pandya) carrying the team in the finals, how will you justify it? India will need his experience in T20 too. Rohit as a skipper as a batter did a fantastic job which India will need in T20 too,” he added.
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With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Rohit Sharma’s leadership qualities are considered crucial for India’s success. Virat Kohli and Rohit, taking a break from white-ball cricket, and the absence of Pujara and Rahane in the Test squad for the South Africa tour, raise concerns. Kaif expresses worry, especially about Pujara’s exclusion, stating, “It will be hard for you Shreyas Iyer to fill the shoes of Pujara.”
“I don’t know why Pujara has not been selected. You can’t just get on the African tour without your prime batter, you just cannot rely on current or past forms, something you need the most is called experience and India is going to miss it,” said Kaif.
The former cricketer dismisses the notion that the Australian team, despite their World Cup victory, was superior to the Indian eleven. Kaif contends, “I can never accept that the best team has won the World Cup. The Indian team is best on paper,” pointing out the standout performances of key players like Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, and the team’s overall composition.
“Their bowlers struggled throughout the tournament, Warner, Smith, Marsh struggled with the bat, Starc, Hazlewood were in no rhythm then how can you say that the one who wins is the best team. Seeing the Indian team, Rohit led from the front. Virat anchored the innings throughout the tournament, strong middle orders. Our pacers were brilliant, Mohammed Shami who didn’t play the initial games went on to become the highest wicket-taker of the tournament,” said Kaif.
Kaif also sheds light on the Legend League Cricket (LLC), where retired players showcase their skills. Playing for the Manipal Tigers, Kaif underscores the importance of the tournament in maintaining fitness and honing skills, stating, “It has helped a lot to grow more as a player.”
-IANS
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