Over a year has passed since their last T20I appearance in the ill-fated World Cup semifinal against England. With both players opting out of the upcoming South Africa tour’s white-ball leg, speculation mounts about whether this could signify the conclusion of their T20I careers.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that Rohit and Kohli requested a break from white-ball cricket, a decision of increased significance as the T20 World Cup approaches in six months. After the South Africa series, India only has three T20Is scheduled in January against Afghanistan. The absence of these two stalwarts may indicate a strategic move to invest in new talent or an acknowledgment of their experienced stature, allowing them to be selective in their match appearances.
Aged 36 and 35, respectively, Rohit and Kohli are at a juncture where strategic choices about match participation become crucial. While physically fit, the mental toll of continuous international cricket is a factor. With extensive careers and the weight of captaincy, their contributions add a unique dynamic to the team dynamics.
The question arises: are they indispensable to India’s T20 success? The ongoing series against Australia showcases a batting lineup in excellent form, reaching the 200-run mark thrice consecutively. Emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma, and Rinku Singh, along with established players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill, offer a robust batting lineup. Head coach Rahul Dravid appears inclined to move forward with this talented group.
While Rohit and Kohli could potentially return for the T20 World Cup, the larger perspective questions the ideal approach. Drawing a parallel, AB de Villiers made a comeback just before the 2019 World Cup, while Faf du Plessis resisted a similar return, prioritizing players who had prepared for the tournament. England welcomed back Ben Stokes for the 2023 World Cup after a 14-month retirement from ODIs, but the outcome did not match expectations. India faces a decision on which path to take.
KL Rahul, previously part of the top three with Rohit and Kohli, is not in the T20I setup. The extension of Dravid’s tenure as head coach aligns with the goal of winning the T20 World Cup after a decade-long wait. Clear thinking and a defined style of play are imperative for success.
While Rohit and Kohli’s class and leadership are unquestionable, their absence from the T20 setup might be counterproductive if a recall for the mega event is considered. A similar situation occurred with Rahul before the last edition in Australia, a lesson not lost on his namesake from the same city.