“It was a clear message that they were not yet ready to commit to the youth” – Sanjay Manjrekar on India’s 2024 T20 World squad

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel was not ready to commit to the youth as they decided to pick Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2024 World Cup squad. The two veterans played in the T20 World Cup 2022 but then didn’t play in the T20I format for almost 18 months.

However, the duo returned for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan just before the IPL, as the selectors indicated that they would be back for the T20I showpiece.

Meanwhile, it is well known that India has a huge pool of players and players like Rinku Singh, and Shubman Gill were a bit unlucky to miss out on the T20 World Cup squad.

Manjrekar wrote for Hindustan Times, “It felt as though the Indian selectors played it safe with their selections for the T20 World Cup squad. In picking Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it was a clear message that they were not yet ready to commit to the youth; they still wanted some experience around for an ICC event.”

Virat Kohli has managed only 66 runs in five matches at an average of 13.20 in the ongoing T20I showpiece but Manjrekar noted that the talisman is happy to take an aggressive approach.

“The brand of cricket India are playing in this WC is one we have never seen before, and something we are trying to come to terms with. To Virat’s credit, for someone who doesn’t like getting out (a trait that can be a weakness in T20 cricket), he has also committed himself to taking risks regularly and seems okay, as of now, with getting out while taking those risks.”

India adopted an aggressive batting strategy against Bangladesh and Manjrekar expects the batters to continue in a similar fashion. 

“The way India have batted so far conveys that even though selections have taken a more traditional and cautious route, the brand of cricket on show is going to be modern and dynamic.”

India will next take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Washington Sundar credits Ashish Nehra for impactful performance in ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar gave credit to Ashish Nehra for his impressive performance in the… Read More

September 19, 2025

Krishnamachari Srikkanth picks playing 11 for IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 match; drops Kuldeep Yadav

Former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has picked India’s playing XI for the opening Asia Cup… Read More

September 11, 2025

Ajay Jadeja says there is no need to play Jasprit Bumrah against UAE

Former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja believes there is no need to play Jasprit Bumrah in… Read More

September 11, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin says Shubman Gill will play ahead of Sanju Samson in Asia Cup

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Shubman Gill will play ahead of Sanju Samson in… Read More

September 10, 2025

Jitesh Sharma reveals why “instinctive thinking” is key for a modern T20 finisher

India’s wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma believes instinctive thinking is key for a modern T20 finisher. Sharma… Read More

September 10, 2025

Wasim Jaffer says Suryakumar Yadav’s numbers while leading India is a worry ahead of Asia Cup

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer feels Suryakumar Yadav’s numbers while leading India is a… Read More

September 8, 2025