Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is set to step away from T20 International cricket, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed.
Rohit, who recently led India to the final of the ODI World Cup 2023, is unlikely to feature in T20Is in the foreseeable future, having not played a single game in the format since India's T20 World Cup semi-final exit in November 2022.
Decision made ahead of ODI World Cup
The decision reportedly stems from discussions Rohit Sharma had with the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, before the commencement of the 50-over World Cup.
The 36-year-old batsman, who has played 148 T20Is and amassed 3853 runs with a strike rate of nearly 140, is said to have volunteered to stay away from T20 Internationals. The move allows him to focus on preserving his fitness and ensuring an injury-free tenure, particularly with a busy Test schedule ahead.
Hardik Pandya as leader
Since Rohit's hiatus from T20Is, Hardik Pandya has predominantly led the Indian team in the shortest format.
The decision aligns with a broader strategy aimed at nurturing leadership potential within the squad, providing valuable exposure to emerging players.
With Rohit Sharma's decision, the spotlight now turns to a younger generation of openers, including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
All four have proven themselves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and present viable options for the team's opening partnership. However, the selectors and BCCI acknowledge that Rohit might be called upon if the younger crop faces challenges in delivering consistent performances.
Focus on red-ball cricket
As Rohit Sharma approaches the twilight of his career, managing his workload becomes crucial. With seven Tests scheduled between December 2023 and March 2024, the Indian captain is expected to concentrate on red-ball cricket.
The decision aligns with the broader goal of leading India to another World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. Rohit's stellar form in the traditional format, especially since taking up the opening role in 2019, adds weight to India's aspirations in the Test arena.
While Rohit Sharma's decision is seen as a well-thought-out strategy, future uncertainties may prompt reconsideration. The BCCI and selectors retain the option to call upon Rohit if the emerging talents face challenges or if the team requires his expertise in T20 cricket.
