Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has advocated for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
Kohli and Rohit have come under the scanner for their underwhelming display in the recently held Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.
Kohli began the marquee series with a second innings hundred (100*) at Perth, but he managed to amass only 90 runs in his other eight innings combined.
On the other hand, Rohit was all over the place in the marquee series, managing just 31 runs in five innings at an abysmal average of 6.20 -- the lowest by a touring captain on Australian soil.
After India’s 1-3 loss in the BGT for the first time since 2014-15, questions have been raised over Kohli and Rohit’s place in the side. However, Yograj has come out in their defence.
Speaking to IANS, Yograj disagreed with these calls for retirement. He believes both players should continue for several more years to mentor the younger generation.
"I was saying that don't remove Rohit from captaincy and nor drop Virat. We need these two legends to groom the youngsters. The team needs these two players for 3-4 years more including (Jasprit) Bumrah. We have to create a solid bench strength," Yograj said.
"You should never break the team. In 2011 it was started and the team was broke as the power was given to one single person. We went on to lose World Cups, multiple series and even lost three-four Test series on the trot. We need to take all players together as win or loss is part of sport. In Australia, India won back-to-back (Test) series and I don't think anybody has done it except West Indies. I feel my advice has been heard by the BCCI," he added.
Yograj expressed his satisfaction with Punjab batter Abhishek Sharma's selection for the upcoming T20I series against England. He sees shades of Yuvraj Singh in his batting style.
The 66-year-old also batted for Shubman Gill's inclusion in the squad, believing that lanky right-hander deserves an opportunity.
"It was pleasing to see Abhishek back, he is a very big player and I see a reflection of Yuvraj Singh in his batting. The more he plays, the more he excels. I feel Shubman Gill should have also been picked," he said.
Yograj commended the BCCI for its role in developing young cricketing talent through the Indian Premier League (IPL). He highlighted the financial perks and career opportunities the IPL has provided.
"Since the start of IPL, cricket has improved a lot in India. Many cricketers got a chance and many made their careers. They also received a lot of money from it. IPL has played a very big role in India and I congratulate BCCI for it. It has become an important tournament as the board is spending a lot of money and giving it to players.”
He also lauded the BCCI's efforts to replicate this success in women's cricket and its establishment of a pension scheme for retired cricketers.
"Women's cricket is also getting a lot of money. I'm very proud of BCCI that they have started a pension scheme for retired/veteran cricketers. IPL is a boon for cricketers in this country," Yograj concluded.
