Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for T20 World Cup 2024: Choice depends on game plans says Jacques Kallis

Legendary Jacques Kallis feels the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup squad depends on India’s game plans. While Rohit Sharma made his return to the T20I format in the first T20I against Afghanistan at Mohali, Kohli will get back to the shortest format in the second game after missing the opening game due to personal reasons.

While Kohli has scored 4008 runs in 115 T20I matches at an average of 52.74, Rohit has amassed 3853 runs in 149 matches at an average of 30.58.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were brilliant in the recently concluded World Cup 2023. Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the tournament for his consistent performances.

With both of these veterans returning to the T20I squad, the selectors have indicated that the pair will be back for the T20I showpiece.

“I think there has to be a balance between the two. It depends on how you want to go in the tournament and what your game plans are. Experience has a big role for sure,” said Kallis while speaking to ANI.

On the other hand, India dominated South Africa on a difficult pitch at Newlands, Cape Town as the visitors won by seven wickets. Kallis was disappointed with the quality of the pitch which was offered by the curator.

“It is sad that it went that way. You want two quality sides to playing on a good surface. A little disappointing but both sides had to play on that surface and India outplayed SA on a tough surface,” Kallis said.

The second T20I between India and Afghanistan will be played at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Sunday.