‘Last year also we did the same thing….’ – Rohit Sharma speaks about star India batter not playing in T20Is
Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)
The two-star batters of Team India, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have been out from the T20I squad since the T20 World Cup 2022. These two players recently missed the last two ODIs of the three-match series against West Indies. They have not been included in the five-match T20I series against the Caribbeans.
In a recent interview, the Men in Blue skipper told the reason why the duo was not selected for the T20I squad. “Last year also we did the same thing — the T20 World Cup was there, so we didn’t play one-day cricket. Now also we are doing the same, the ODI World Cup is there, so we are not playing T20s,” Rohit was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
“ You can’t play everything and be ready for the World Cup. We decided this two years ago. (Ravindra) Jadeja is also not playing T20, you did not ask about him? I understand about the focus (on himself and Virat). But Jadeja is also not playing,” the 35-year-old added.
Unfortunately, injuries have given him a bit of trouble: Rohit Sharma
The right-hand batter claimed the Indian team has a problem with the number four slot ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 as several players have got injured. ‘“Look, No. 4 has been an issue for us for a long time,” he stated.
Since the completion of the 2019 ODI World Cup, India have tried more than 11 players at the number four position, with Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant playing more than 10 innings. With Pant out of the World Cup due to injury, Iyer is yet to make a comeback after suffering a back injury.
Rohit also praised Iyer for his consistent performance at number four in ODIs.“Unfortunately, injuries have given him a bit of trouble; he has been out for a while and that is honestly what has happened in the last 4-5 years” the opener was quoted as saying by the Apex Cricket Council.
