Irfan Pathan explains, Why does India need ‘experienced’ Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the T20 World Cup 2024?
Former all-rounder of Indian cricket team Irfan Pathan backed veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s inclusion for the T20 World Cup 2024, noting that the team needed the aid of experienced players. The schedule for the marquee event, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, was unveiled on Friday.
Speaking on Star Sports about India’s chances, Pathan noted that the team needed the expertise of experienced players like Sharma and Kohli on unknown pitches in the USA. While the ex-Indian star acknowledged that the availability of the two players would depend on the team management and their fitness, he wished to see both players on the field, citing the Hitman’s form in ODI cricket.
Irfan Pathan said, “Personally, I would like to see Virat on the pitch because, when we talk about two years ago, definitely he was not in his best form. But the last IPL and T20 were some of the most amazing tournaments for him. Also, when you are playing in countries like the West Indies and the USA, there are quite a few unknown pitches, and here you will need experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both on and off the field.”
He further added, “The playing of both the players also depends upon team management and their fitness, but I would love seeing both of them on the field, especially when Rohit has also changed his form and has been making a lot of runs in One Day Cricket.”