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'He Will Lead…,' BCCI Official Provides Key Update On Rohit's Captaincy Future In T20Is

image-lpm7djm3Rohit Sharma made himself unavailable for South Africa T20Is. (AP Photos)

There's increasing uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's future in T20Is, especially ever since the completion of the last T20 World Cup in 2022. Although this year's focus was on the ODI World Cup, India is once again gearing up for T20Is, evident in the ongoing series against Australia and the upcoming matches against South Africa. However, Rohit's absence from the T20I squad for the South Africa series has fueled speculations about his future in the format.

The BCCI clarified that Rohit is currently unavailable for selection due to his extended break request, similar to Virat Kohli, and both players are expected to return for the upcoming Test series later this month. While Rohit led India to the ODI World Cup Final, he hasn't played T20Is since November 2022.

Throughout 2023, Pandya took charge of the T20I captaincy as Rohit focused on ODIs and Test commitments, including the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup. Given Pandya's experience and IPL leadership, many fans and experts are considering him as a potential T20I captain if Rohit decides to step down.

Reports suggest that the BCCI has offered the T20 captaincy to Rohit, and he has the freedom to take his time and make a decision about his future in T20Is. A source within BCCI mentioned that Rohit, currently on holiday in the UK, may opt for an extended break after a demanding four-month season, but if he agrees to lead India in the T20 World Cup next year, he will assume the role.

"Rohit has been offered T20 captaincy but he is in UK on a holiday and wants an extended break after four months of gruelling season till end of the World Cup. But as captain, he has the highest respect for the dressing room and if he agrees to lead India in T20 World Cup, he will lead,"  a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav is leading India in the ongoing 5-match T20I series against Australia, and Jasprit Bumrah also captained the team in two T20Is earlier in the year. Pandya led India in 11 matches, but his return date remains uncertain due to injury, following a historic trade to Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.

Ultimately, the decision regarding the T20I captaincy lies with Rohit Sharma. Despite being in the later stages of his career, his excellent form with the bat and leadership experience make it highly likely that he will lead India in the T20 World Cup next year.