With seven months to go for T20 World Cup 2024, India Cricket Team would only play 11 T20Is to build a squad. Of those 11, India already have played one (against Australia) and there will be 10 more to go. With big guns including Hardik Pandya absent from the IND vs AUS t20 series, stand-in coach VVS Laxman has an opportunity to monitor the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh and Ruturaj Gaikwad among others. However, the big question is whether most of the young players will play the role of fillers once the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah return.
India’s remaining T20Is
- 4 matches vs Australia (Ongoing)
- 3 vs South Africa (December)
- 3 vs Afghanistan (January)
While Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya are certain for T20 World Cup 2024, there is still a question about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Will they play T20Is?
As things stand, if Rohit continues to play T20Is, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be reduced to backup roles. But there is no confirmation on whether Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli will quit T20Is to make way for youngsters.
Also Read
Crowded top-order
India have a problem of aplenty. There are too many opening batters fighting for a slot and with Rohit Sharma’s future in T20Is still uncertain, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan are all fighting for a spot to open with Shubman Gill in the T20 World Cup 2024.
At No 3, Virat Kohli has built an impenetrable fortress but like Rohit, it’s still unclear if a 35-year-old Kohli is interested in playing T20Is or at least T20 World Cup 2024. If he does, Jaiswal and Ruturaj will have to find new batting positions or play a backup role.
A lot will be clear ahead of the South Africa tour.
…
