'Rohit Sharma Might Repeat..., - Raina Optimistic About Veteran's Captaincy At T20 WC 2024
Rohit Sharma led India to World Cup 2023 Final [AP Photos]
Rohit Sharma led India successfully in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where unfortunately the title still eluded the nation, which many thoughts ended the Nagpur-born's time as leader.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after much deliberation, named Sharma as India's T20I captain for the ongoing Afghanistan series, which former India player Suresh Raina believes is the right path heading into the 20-overs World Cup in June.
Sharma's comeback after 14 months into India's T20I side has left a few former players baffled due to BCCI's indulgence in grooming young captains - Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav - throughout 2023, both of whom are away from national duties due to injuries.
Speaking to Jio Cinema, former World Cup 2011 winner Raina stated that even if Pandya is available for the marquee T20 event later this year, BCCI should continue with Sharma as captain.
"Absolutely. I think Rohit brings a lot of clarity. Rohit brings a lot of intent in the dressing room. We have seen that in the World Cup. In the dressing room, we have seen how players respect him, how they see him as a friend and on top of that, he has been in prime form, Raina said."He has been leading from the front. He has been taking a lot of bold decisions. He has been great with fielding placements. He has been a gun player for India for many, many years. I think he should lead India in the T20 World Cup. You never know, he might repeat South Africa 2007."
Sharma played a crucial knock of 16-ball 30 in the T20 WC 2007 Final against Pakistan, which helped India under MS Dhoni win their first-and-only 20-over championship.
Interestingly, the 36-year-old has featured in all T20 World Cup editions since 2007 and even led India in the 2022 edition.
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