'Absolutely integral and important': Sourav Ganguly emphasizes on Virat & Rohit's future in T20Is

Following the culmination of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, there have been striking talks of re-shaping the entire team for the upcoming T20 World Cup and while the new crop has been introduced in the ongoing bilateral series against Australia, the bone of contention has remained the same. Though, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma turned out to be the standouts in the concluded ODI mayhem, whether they should remain in the scheme of things for the T20 WC, is a pressing subject that hasn't found a definite answer. Amid all the obscurity, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has weighed in on the topic and has presented his thoughts bluntly.

3 things you need to know

• Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not included in the T20 and ODI side that will take on South Africa
• Apparently, Sharma and Kohli have taken voluntary rest
• Both the stalwarts are a part of the Test squad that will tour South Africa

Also Read | India vs Australia: No electricity in Stadium

Sourav Ganguly says Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are absolutely integral

On Thursday, BCCI announced the respective squads for the Test, ODI, and T20 series against South Africa. Different faces and unalike captains have been associated with each format and as for the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two are not included in the White ball space. However, they are not entirely out of the picture and will have a role to play in the longest format of the game.

Them not being a part of the side for the ODI and T20 series has sparked queries regarding their future in the said forms. While the uncertainty may lay supreme at the moment, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has vehemently stated that the two are still vital for the side and have the prowess to acclimatize themselves as per the needs of the T20 format.

"They absolutely fit in the T20I format. You saw the World Cup, how well Virat Kohli has played. You saw how Rohit Sharma played in the world cup? They are absolutely integral. They are an important part of Indian cricket. World cup is different from bilateral series, because the pressure is different. 'I think they were both exceptional this World Cup and 6-7 months down the line in the West Indies, they will again be at their best." Ganguly said during an event in Kolkata.

Also Read | Historic! Uganda qualify for T20 World Cup 2024

Ganguly backs their decision to take rest

Sourav Ganguly backed Kohli and Sharma's decision to take a break from the limited forms for a certain period. According to him, the breather will revitalize them for the upcoming assignments.

"Very rightfully they have taken a break because there is so much cricket. There's cricket all the time. I cannot imagine that you have played a World Cup final on the 19th of November and in 3 days you are playing a T20 series against the same team.'

'It is not easy to pick yourself up. Especially with the pressure and the demands of a World Cup. But that's what cricket is these days. You just keep playing all around the year. I'm happy they have got a break. I read yesterday that they wanted to be excused for the white-ball part of the South Africa tour also. Well. rightfully so. They will come back fresh for Test cricket. They have 5 Tests against England, then they have the IPL and then they have the World Cup. So. it's non-stop cricket. Hopefully, they come back fresh and keep performing,' said Dada.