Under Hardik Pandya, India’s new-look T20I side made a strong start to 2023, defeating Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the home series.

In both series, the Men in Blue were without the services of their star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

While the BCCI hadn’t provided any reason for their absence, former India opener Wasim Jaffer recently made a rather interesting remark on the possibility of Rohit and Kohli's return to the shortest format.

According to Jaffer, Kohli might have a chance to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup but opined that doors may have closed for Rohit in T20Is.

“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were rested seeing the bigger picture, with the Tests against Australia coming up. India can qualify for the WTC final. And rightly so. (However) Looking at the future, this game is for youngsters. I actually don't see Rohit Sharma playing in the next T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli may play, but Rohit Sharma definitely won't play the next edition. He's already 35,” Jaffer said during an interaction on Basit Ali's official YouTube channel.

“So, looking at the bigger picture, it's important that they are mentally fresh for the Australia series," he added.

The doors may or may not have closed for Rohit and Kohli in T20Is but the duo remains a key player for India in ODIs and Tests. They are expected to play a vital role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting February 9 in Nagpur.