Kohli and Rohit Return to T20 World Cup Plans, but KL Rahul’s Absence Raises Questions

In a long-awaited decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally put an end to the speculation surrounding the T20 International (T20I) futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both cricket stalwarts have been named in the 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on January 11 in Mohali. This marks their return to the T20I format after a hiatus of 14 months, significantly boosting their chances of participating in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Are Kohli and Rohit back in the T20 Squad?

Kohli and Rohit last featured in a T20I match for India during the semifinal loss against England in the T20 World Cup in November 2022. Their absence in subsequent T20I series, including against Australia and South Africa, fueled discussions about their commitment to the T20 format. However, their inclusion in the squad for the Afghanistan series indicates a shift in focus back to T20Is, with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled from June 1 to 29 in the West Indies and the USA.

Return of Shivam Dube

One key aspect raising questions is the absence of Hardik Pandya, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in October. The lack of balance in India’s squad has been a concern, and the decision not to explore a backup option for Pandya has raised eyebrows. Shivam Dube, who had a standout IPL 2023 season for Chennai Super Kings as a middle-order batter, finds himself back in the mix. However, his limited role as a bowler might raise doubts about him serving as a viable backup for Pandya’s all-round abilities.

Dube was part of the squad for the Australia series but did not get a chance to play. His subsequent exclusion from the South Africa tour further fueled debates about India’s approach to finding a reliable sixth bowling option. With captain Suryakumar Yadav missing the Afghanistan series due to injury, Dube’s role as a potential backup for Pandya could come under scrutiny, given the team’s past struggles with team balance in crucial ICC tournaments.