Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s selection headlined India’s T20I squad picked for the ongoing three-match series against Afghanistan last week.
The two batting stalwarts haven’t played in the shortest format for India since November 2022. Last year, they focused on the 50-over format with the Cricket World Cup taking precedence.
Fans and experts were left divided after Rohit and Kohli returned to the T20I fold. While many consider it a backward step, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh sees nothing wrong in it, especially with the fast-approaching T20 World Cup 2024.
"Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna," Yuvraj said when asked about the outrage around the move, as quoted by PTI.
He also highlighted the importance of focusing on the task at hand. "It's because they play all the three formats, they are back after 14 months. You have to manage your workload if you play the three formats. It's a question for the selectors."
Hailing Rohit as the leader of the Indian team, Yuvraj said: "I can say Rohit has been a great captain, he's got five IPL trophies, he took us to the (World Cup) final. He has been one of our great captains of IPL and India. We have to manage his workload."
Asked whether Rohit or Hardik Pandya should be named as the captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Yuvraj replied: "I don't know what's the situation with Hardik's fitness at the moment. That is the selectors' call."
Hardik is all set to replace Rohit as the captain of Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL season.
On any potential ego clash, Yuvraj said: "When players play together these things happen. If they have an issue they should definitely sit and talk about it."
"Rohit has always been very instrumental in getting the best out of Hardik whenever he has played for Mumbai Indians, especially in terms of his bowling to manage his workload.
"Hardik has always been always good with the bat at death. Batting at 4 for Gujarat, he batted like a batter."
"They should definitely talk about it. I don't see an issue there," he said about the situation when Rohit is back leading Team India.
"Whenever you are playing for your country, your priority is to put everything aside and give your 100 percent in the park.
"They both are professionals, if they have any issue they will put it aside and give 100 percent for the country."
(With PTI Inputs)
