Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif emphasized that the Indian team needs the leadership of captain Rohit Sharma, more than his batting abilities if they wish to do well in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
Rohit Sharma led the Indian team from the front at the recent ICC World Cup 2023. India entered the final of CWC 2023 with 10 consecutive victories to their name. But Australia had the better of them in the final in Ahmedabad. And attention in the cricketing realm turns towards the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the looming question is whether Rohit will continue to helm the Indian side or if a new captain will emerge. Rohit Sharma has asked for a break and will not play in the white-ball leg of the upcoming South Africa tour.
According to ex-Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, in the aftermath of the World Cup heartbreak, Rohit Sharma's captaincy emerged even more radiant. He recognized Rohit's excellence both as a player and leader, and contends that his captaincy is indispensable.
"Rohit Sharma has to be there because he has got the leadership quality. The way he led in the 50 overs World Cup, he has done a fantastic job as a leader...India will need his experience in T20s too. Rohit as a skipper as a batter did a fantastic job, which India will need in T20s as well,” Kaif told IANS.
The ex-cricketer also rejected the idea that the Australian team, despite securing the World Cup victory, was superior to the Indian eleven.
Kaif argues "I can never accept that the best team has won the World Cup...", pointing out the standout performances of key players like Virat Kohli, and Mohammad Shami and the team's overall composition.
Seeing the Indian team, Rohit led from the front, Virat anchored the innings throughout the tournament with, strong middle order. Our pacers were brilliant. Mohammed Shami, who didn’t play the initial games, went on to become the highest wicket-taker of the tournament."
