Rahul Dravid hints at end of the road for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in T20Is

[MenInG]

The talks of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli being eased out from the shortest format were already there after India's T20 World Cup exit from the semi-final. They found wind when both the stalwarts were not named - Rohit was injured - in the India T20I squad for the three-match series and now head coach Rahul Dravid has given strong hints of building a young team keeping the next T20 World Cup in 2024 in mind. Dravid did not name anyone let alone Rohit and Kohli but he was quite clear that India have decided to look ahead in T20Is. The former India captain also added that much of the focus of the seniors will now be in the ODI format, considering the 50-overs World Cup is towards the end of this year at home.

"For us, obviously, from the last semi-final (in the T20 World Cup) that we played against England, only 3-4 boys are playing in the XI (against Sri Lanka). We are slightly in a different stage of looking at the next cycle of T20, so ours is a slightly younger team and for us to play against the quality of Sri Lanka is a fantastic experience. The good thing is that a lot of focus is on the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship, so the T20s give us the opportunity to try out these guys," Dravid told reporters after India lost to Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I in Pune.

Dravid is right. From the Indian XI that played against Sri Lanka on Thursday, only Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh were the ones that were part of the team that suffered a 10-wicket loss to England in the World Cup semi-final last year.

Hardik Pandya has led India in the two T20I series that they have played against New Zealand and Sri Lanka since the World Cup. The selectors haven't made an official announcement about Hardik's elevation but it is likely that he will continue to lead in most of the T20Is going forward.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...li-rohit-sharma-in-t20is-101672979041017.html

 

[MP2011]

lol, Dravid is late in announcing this by at least 2 WT20s.

 

[Ab Fan]

Good if it really is the case.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

The broadcasters decide that.. Not Dravid !!

 

[IAJ]

Top order batting still remains a concern. India are often resqued by late order hitting. Even in first T20i against SL Axar and Deepak took them to a competitive total, otherwise they probably would have struggled to cross even 130.

 

[WengerOut]

He should be nowhere near the team setup as well. Booting out seniors while still picking the Patel clans, Thakurs and the Chahals aren't gonna cut it.

"Axar's batting has come leaps and bounds. We always knew about his bowling quality "

Dravid said the above after India's loss yesterday. Shows how clueless he is. It is clear that his gentlemanly look outward was a facade to the incompetent tactical man inside.

 

[MenInG]

Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev said there is no problem with Rohit Sharma's cricketing skills - he has been one of the pillars of Indian batting along with Virat Kohli in the last decade - but his fitness is a major concern. Kapil said he has serious doubts over the Indian captain's fitness.

"There's no shortcoming in Rohit Sharma. He has everything but I personally think, there is a huge question mark over his fitness. Is he fit enough? Because a captain should be someone who motivates the other players to get fitter, the teammates should feel proud of their captain," Kapil said on ABP News.

 

[FearlessRoar]

According to BCCI, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had requested the Board for a break from the white-ball leg of the South Africa Tour 2023-24

 

[Asad T]

Yes, I think after the T24 WC, it's time for India to invest in their future, Sharma and Kohli are GOATS, but now they need to great their next generation of greats.

 

[FearlessRoar]

West Indies legend Clive Lloyd speaks at an event in a local high school in India, shows his support for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma:

"Kohli is still one of the best players around. Rohit is quite good as captain. So you pick your best team. You will have some young players too, because you have so many cricketers here, and they are pushing the older players... and that's how it should be. But I'm sure that you will have a very formidable side."

"Yes, I think they're a very good side, and they will do well for quite a while if they continue in this manner. But my problem is that they might be playing too much cricket, and then, you know, you can get stale."

“I don't mind T20. It's excellent. It's good entertainment. But I think too much of it might be hampering cricket throughout the world. It's hampered us in the West Indies. We only have five million people, 14 islands. And we are losing a lot of our players to the shorter formats, and they're refusing to play for their country, I find that very disturbing."

 

[jnaveen1980]

T20I belongs to young fearless cricketers. BCCI is just using them for marketing reasons. Nothing else.

 

[BaaliSoda]

Contribution from the likes of Rohit and Kohli in our limited overs setup is still far superior to what we get from overhyped stars such as Gill (who has regressed at an alarming rate over the last 6 months).

Hoping for the day when BCCI decides it is the end of the road for the clueless coaching of Dravid (and his chamchas in the coaching staff) as well.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Its good for Indian cricket instead of sticking with old guns they are moving forward now.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Contribution from the likes of Rohit and Kohli in our limited overs setup is still far superior to what we get from overhyped stars such as Gill (who has regressed at an alarming rate over the last 6 months).

Hoping for the day when BCCI decides it is the end of the road for the clueless coaching of Dravid (and his chamchas in the coaching staff) as well.

That is a flat out wrong approach. If someone doesn't work you move on to new guy. Not the same old guy. Frankly Rohit has done absolutely zilch in world T20 since world T20 final in 2007 where he had a cameo. Kohli despite being the ATG player in world T20 history he has to be let go. They did let him go. But Rohit fought for his selection. Fact is neither of them don't deserve a chance just like kL Rahul didn't deserve.

 

[BaaliSoda]

That is a flat out wrong approach. If someone doesn't work you move on to new guy. Not the same old guy. Frankly Rohit has done absolutely zilch in world T20 since world T20 final in 2007 where he had a cameo. Kohli despite being the ATG player in world T20 history he has to be let go. They did let him go. But Rohit fought for his selection. Fact is neither of them don't deserve a chance just like kL Rahul didn't deserve.

I am all for booting the non-performers even if they are of the superstar category, Naveen.

The same yardstick needs to be applied to the coaching staff (besides Gill who appears shell of what he looked like a year back) is what I meant in my post.

 

[Vikram1989]

That is a flat out wrong approach. If someone doesn't work you move on to new guy. Not the same old guy. Frankly Rohit has done absolutely zilch in world T20 since world T20 final in 2007 where he had a cameo. Kohli despite being the ATG player in world T20 history he has to be let go. They did let him go. But Rohit fought for his selection. Fact is neither of them don't deserve a chance just like kL Rahul didn't deserve.

I completely agree with you. We should prepare for the future with for the younger generation not with to be retired players(especially in white ball formats). Even in tests dravd brought back pujara and rahane in the name of experience which is quite retrograde.

 

[BaaliSoda]

Contribution from the likes of Rohit and Kohli in our limited overs setup is still far superior to what we get from overhyped stars such as Gill (who has regressed at an alarming rate over the last 6 months).

Hoping for the day when BCCI decides it is the end of the road for the clueless coaching of Dravid (and his chamchas in the coaching staff) as well.

Thanks Rohit (for the whole tournament) and Kohli (finals) for one last effort

 

[Mockingbird]

Thanks Rohit (for the whole tournament) and Kohli (finals) for one last effort

Even Rohit performed in only a couple of matches, but yeah those were crucial knocks. With the way Kohli had started today, if wickets had not fallen at the other end we would have looked at 200+ score.

 

[BaaliSoda]

Even Rohit performed in only a couple of matches, but yeah those were crucial knocks. With the way Kohli had started today, if wickets had not fallen at the other end we would have looked at 200+ score.

At the end of the day, we have won a trophy after a long wait.

Let's enjoy the moment

 

[Technics 1210]

No brainer.

Both in their mid 30s, retire from T20i on the top.

 

[BouncerGuy]

India’s big conundrum at the top: Who replaces Rohit and Kohli in T20Is?

The departures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the T20I format soon after India’s win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 leaves a big void at the top.

After years of service to the Indian side, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the T20I format after victory in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup. Rohit (4231 runs) ends his career as the highest run-getter in the T20Is, with Kohli (4188 runs) at the second place.

Given their immense contribution to Indian cricket in the format, it won’t be easy to find their replacements. However, India must identify new players soon, as the next edition of the tournament is only two years away.

We look at the possible batters who can come into the top order to replace this iconic duo.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Matches 17, Runs 502, Average 33.46, Strike-rate 161.93, Highest Score 100

The dynamic southpaw opener was an understudy to Rohit and Kohli in India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad. In less than a year since his international debut, Jaiswal has firmly established himself as a reputable opener.

Jaiswal provides solidity at the top while also scoring runs at a brisk pace. A heavy run-scorer, he has succeeded in various conditions, from West Indies to South Africa. His inclusion would also ensure a left-right combination at the top.

Shubman Gill

Matches 14, Runs 335, Average 25.76, Strike-rate 147.57, Highest Score 126*

The classy right-handed batter has been a regular in the Indian white-ball setup over the last few years and was Rohit’s opening partner in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

A safe option at the top, Gill stands out for his propensity to find gaps along the ground early in his innings and has a solid backfoot play at his disposal. Though the batter couldn’t find a place in India’s squad for this edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup, he leads the side in their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

In the five T20Is, he can showcase his skills as the skipper and also with the bat, to lay a strong claim at the vacant top-order spot.

Abhishek Sharma

Yet to play international cricket

A member of the U19 World Cup-winning squad in 2018, Abhishek Sharma was always renowned for his attacking strokeplay. However, it was in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that the left-handed batter truly stood out.

Partnering with Australia’s Travis Head, Abhishek provided explosive starts for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He scored 484 runs from his 16 appearances at a whopping strike rate of 204.21.

In recent years, India have found themselves on the back foot in decent batting conditions, wherein their scoring rates have often not matched up against the likes of England or Australia. Abhishek’s all-out attacking play can resolve their batting approach, with his slow left-arm spin an added bonus.

KL Rahul

Matches 72, Runs 2265, Average 37.75, Strike-rate 139.12, Highest Score 110*

KL Rahul might have dropped off the selector’s radars since the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup but the 32-year-old is the most experienced top-order batter in the Indian circuits after the departure of Rohit and Kohli.

With a vast array of strokes at his disposal, Rahul is a top-notch option with the bat. There is little stopping Rahul when he gets going and is also an added option behind the stumps.

The player is also a performer on big occasions, as he showed during his run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, where he scored 452 runs at an average of 75.33.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Matches 19, Runs 500, Average 35.71, Strike-rate 140.05, Highest Score 123*

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s name might get lost in the sea of openers available in the international and IPL circuit for India, but the right-handed batter has been in and around the squad over the last couple of years.

A watchful starter, Gaikwad can pick up his scoring rate prodigiously once he gets his eye in.

Like some others on this list, Gaikwad has an opportunity to seal a regular spot during India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Ishan Kishan

Matches 32, Runs 796, Average 25.67, Strike-rate 124.37, Highest Score 89

Going with Ishan Kishan can help the side keep the left-right combination going.

With explosive shots at his disposal, Kishan can provide a quickfire start while his keeping is a bonus. Not a part of the Indian squad at present, Kishan is still a quality option with plenty of international experience.

If his performances catch the selectors’ eyes, Kishan will be an invaluable addition to the setup.

ICC

 

[sweep_shot]

Great way to finish his stint with Indian team.

Could've had two silverwares if not for Travis Head.

 

[pakistani pride]

Man this is so depressing. I mean it has reached a stage where we have become a joke!
I seriously hope Babar NEVER plays a single game for Pak again.

 

[mominsaigol]

Man this is so depressing. I mean it has reached a stage where we have become a joke!
I seriously hope Babar NEVER plays a single game for Pak again.

Reason why babar is getting these records is because he's the only one chasing them

 

[oatmeal]

He should be nowhere near the team setup as well. Booting out seniors while still picking the Patel clans, Thakurs and the Chahals aren't gonna cut it.

"Axar's batting has come leaps and bounds. We always knew about his bowling quality "

Dravid said the above after India's loss yesterday. Shows how clueless he is. It is clear that his gentlemanly look outward was a facade to the incompetent tactical man inside.

Lol Axar's batting turned out to be crucial in the final and also fairly useful throughout the tournament

 

[pakistani pride]

Reason why babar is getting these records is because he's the only one chasing them

Main reason is his tuk tuk and games vs zimbabwe, uganda and nepal.

 

[Champ_Pal]

India’s big conundrum at the top: Who replaces Rohit and Kohli in T20Is?

The departures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the T20I format soon after India’s win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 leaves a big void at the top.

After years of service to the Indian side, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the T20I format after victory in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup. Rohit (4231 runs) ends his career as the highest run-getter in the T20Is, with Kohli (4188 runs) at the second place.

Given their immense contribution to Indian cricket in the format, it won’t be easy to find their replacements. However, India must identify new players soon, as the next edition of the tournament is only two years away.

We look at the possible batters who can come into the top order to replace this iconic duo.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Matches 17, Runs 502, Average 33.46, Strike-rate 161.93, Highest Score 100

The dynamic southpaw opener was an understudy to Rohit and Kohli in India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad. In less than a year since his international debut, Jaiswal has firmly established himself as a reputable opener.

Jaiswal provides solidity at the top while also scoring runs at a brisk pace. A heavy run-scorer, he has succeeded in various conditions, from West Indies to South Africa. His inclusion would also ensure a left-right combination at the top.

Shubman Gill

Matches 14, Runs 335, Average 25.76, Strike-rate 147.57, Highest Score 126*

The classy right-handed batter has been a regular in the Indian white-ball setup over the last few years and was Rohit’s opening partner in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

A safe option at the top, Gill stands out for his propensity to find gaps along the ground early in his innings and has a solid backfoot play at his disposal. Though the batter couldn’t find a place in India’s squad for this edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup, he leads the side in their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

In the five T20Is, he can showcase his skills as the skipper and also with the bat, to lay a strong claim at the vacant top-order spot.

Abhishek Sharma

Yet to play international cricket

A member of the U19 World Cup-winning squad in 2018, Abhishek Sharma was always renowned for his attacking strokeplay. However, it was in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that the left-handed batter truly stood out.

Partnering with Australia’s Travis Head, Abhishek provided explosive starts for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He scored 484 runs from his 16 appearances at a whopping strike rate of 204.21.

In recent years, India have found themselves on the back foot in decent batting conditions, wherein their scoring rates have often not matched up against the likes of England or Australia. Abhishek’s all-out attacking play can resolve their batting approach, with his slow left-arm spin an added bonus.

KL Rahul

Matches 72, Runs 2265, Average 37.75, Strike-rate 139.12, Highest Score 110*

KL Rahul might have dropped off the selector’s radars since the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup but the 32-year-old is the most experienced top-order batter in the Indian circuits after the departure of Rohit and Kohli.

With a vast array of strokes at his disposal, Rahul is a top-notch option with the bat. There is little stopping Rahul when he gets going and is also an added option behind the stumps.

The player is also a performer on big occasions, as he showed during his run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, where he scored 452 runs at an average of 75.33.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Matches 19, Runs 500, Average 35.71, Strike-rate 140.05, Highest Score 123*

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s name might get lost in the sea of openers available in the international and IPL circuit for India, but the right-handed batter has been in and around the squad over the last couple of years.

A watchful starter, Gaikwad can pick up his scoring rate prodigiously once he gets his eye in.

Like some others on this list, Gaikwad has an opportunity to seal a regular spot during India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Ishan Kishan

Matches 32, Runs 796, Average 25.67, Strike-rate 124.37, Highest Score 89

Going with Ishan Kishan can help the side keep the left-right combination going.

With explosive shots at his disposal, Kishan can provide a quickfire start while his keeping is a bonus. Not a part of the Indian squad at present, Kishan is still a quality option with plenty of international experience.

If his performances catch the selectors’ eyes, Kishan will be an invaluable addition to the setup.

ICC

Abhishek A/R
Jaiswal
Gill
SKY
Pant/Samson/Kishan
Rinku A/R
Parag A/R
Hardik A/R
axar A/R or Kuldeep
Arahdeep
Bumrah

This should be a great team all around. No weakness at all. Bats deep and explosive at the top as well as middle.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Great way to finish his stint with Indian team.

Could've had two silverwares if not for Travis Head.

He already has 3 Silver wares.. Rohit. 2007 T20I, CT and 2024. How many do Bangladesh have?

 

[sweep_shot]

He already has 3 Silver wares.. Rohit. 2007 T20I, CT and 2024. How many do Bangladesh have?

This thread is not about Bangladesh.

I was referring to Dravid as a coach. He won 1 silverware as a coach. Could've won two but Aussies prevented it.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

This thread is not about Bangladesh.

I was referring to Dravid as a coach. He won 1 silverware as a coach. Could've won two but Aussies prevented it.

there are other threads which are not about topics you have been replying. Stick to your lane then.

 

[PakLFC]

They both go on a high. Nothing left to prove for them in this format.

 

[JaDed]

there are other threads which are not about topics you have been replying. Stick to your lane then.

If he could stick to his logic he might get a seizure.

 

[Aang_The_last_airbender]

Abhishek A/R
Jaiswal
Gill
SKY
Pant/Samson/Kishan
Rinku A/R
Parag A/R
Hardik A/R
axar A/R or Kuldeep
Arahdeep
Bumrah

This should be a great team all around. No weakness at all. Bats deep and explosive at the top as well as middle.

How many apart from Pandya are pace All rounders?

 

[WengerOut]

Lol Axar's batting turned out to be crucial in the final and also fairly useful throughout the tournament

Turned out to be a false alarm

 

[Vikram1989]

This should be a great team all around. No weakness at all. Bats deep and explosive at the top as well as middle.

Too many all rounders bro.we can have ur team for minnow bashing but we should not go in eng way where they will beat the hell out of mid tier opposition in batsmen pitches. We can can have kd and axar in place of parag .

 

[Champ_Pal]

Too many all rounders bro.we can have ur team for minnow bashing but we should not go in eng way where they will beat the hell out of mid tier opposition in batsmen pitches. We can can have kd and axar in place of parag .

The all rounders I listed are primarily batsmen who can roll their arm.

They all can bowl 4 overs between them easily.

 

[Champ_Pal]

How many apart from Pandya are pace All rounders?

India doesn’t have any pace all rounders apart from Pandya.

 

[big_gamer007]

Jaiswal
Ruturaj
Gill
Pant
Rinku
SKY
Pandya

Should be our top 7 for next few years.

With Ishan Kishan, Sanju Sampson lurking around to replace any of them.

 

[Vikram1989]

The all rounders I listed are primarily batsmen who can roll their arm.

They all can bowl 4 overs between them easily.

Yeah but am not Sure about bowling effectiveness in sena as abhishek is only good among part timers.In sc,we shouldn't have issues .

 

[Vikram1989]

India doesn’t have any pace all rounders apart from Pandya.

We can have v iyer and nitish as case studies. We should use pandya like bumrah, only in tournaments