Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have not played a lot of T20 cricket since the 2022 edition, are expected to be on the flight to USA and Caribbean for the ICC showpiece. Former Indian cricket team star Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is set to be back in the commentary box after a decade with the upcoming IPL, has an interesting take on the duo’s role for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“They will be needed there. These are giants of cricketing world. Form is like the morning dew, it can elude you but class of these people has stamp of authority.
“I would rate Kohli as the greatest Indian batsmen for the simple reason, his fitness, he is getting fitter with age like old wine does. Technically very sound and he has the uncanny knack of adapting to all three formats, same goes for Rohit,” Sidhu explained in his inimitable style.
“Both are quality players. I am not sure about Rohit’s fitness levels. With age you tend to slow down, your reflexes tend to go. Sehwag with those glasses, his reflexes were not the same, I saw it in the IPL.”
Sidhu closely tracked India’s campaign in the ODI World Cup last year where the hosts ended as runners-up after being the sole unbeaten side in the group stages. The final loss extended their long wait for a world title but Sidhu isn’t too concerned.
“In the recent World Cup they were playing very well, they just had one bad game, one bad game cannot asses the fortunes of a team. I see the Indian team ruling the roost for a long time because the system that breeds cricketers is very congenial and conducive.
“In my time, people would carry on despite bad form because there were no replacements. Now, Hardik Pandya is replacing the Indian captain as captain at Mumbai Indians because he has performed so well.
“Not that it is derogatory to Rohit but it is just a thought process. The old order must change yielding place to the new,” said Sidhu.
There are multiple options for wicket-keeper batter’s slot in the World Cup squad with likes of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and K L Rahul in the race.
Sidhu said he would go with someone who has superior keeping skills with his batting prowess being “secondary”.
It has been a while since the 60-year-old held the mic but three days from his “first” commentary comeback, the former India opener was as gung-ho as ever.
“Boss, cricket is my first love. If your hobby becomes your profession there is nothing better than that. A duckling would never forget how to swim, I will take to commentary like a fish takes to water,” he said.
