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'We Decided This Two Years Ago': Rohit Sharma Explains His And Virat Kohli’s Sabbatical From T20I Cricket

image-ll6bplc6Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action for Team India (BCCI)

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not featured in a single T20I for India ever since team’s crashing semifinal exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya has stepped in as captain in the former’s absence, while pace veteran Jasprit Bumrah will take over the role when the Indian team tours Ireland later this month.

In a recent interview, Sharma was asked to explain his and Kohli’s extended absence from the format, to which the Indian captain gave a fitting response.

Sharma says he is following the same route as last year

Rohit Sharma explained that he along with a few other senior members of the side also skipped several ODI matches in the lead-up to the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia last year. Since 2023 marks the year of an ODI World Cup, the batting legend said that he and Virat Kohli are skipping T20Is this time around in order to remain in the 50-overs groove. 

“Last year also we did the same thing - the T20 World Cup was there, so we didn't play one-day cricket. Now also we are doing the same, the ODI World Cup is there, so we are not playing T20s. You can't play everything and be ready for the World Cup. We decided this two years ago. Ravindra Jadeja is also not playing T20, you did not ask about him? I understand about the focus. But Jadeja is also not playing.”

Both Sharma and Kohli will next be seen in the much-awaited ODI Asia Cup, set to commence on August 30. The tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and will serve as a testing ground for the Indian team prior to the World Cup at home later in the year.