India’s workload problem may have a simple answer

Having different teams for different formats might allow the current set of players the off-season they desperately need

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

For the entire 2023 season, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli didn’t playa single T20I Asitwas the 50-over World Cup year, India fielded a different set of players for the two limited overs formats. Hardik Pandya was leading the T20 side and Rohit the ODI team.

In the 2024 season, the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, became the focus. With one series to go, the India selectors brought Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back into the T20 fold. It proved to be a successful move with Rohit leading India to their first ICC title since 2013 Champions Trophy.

In the press conference to announce the team, in May 2024, Rohit explained the selectors’ line of thinking: “In the past also, whichever format happens, we give priority. The focus was on the 50-over WC (2023) which is why we (Rohit and Virat) had given T20Is a miss. Test cricket was the constant which we kept playing. That is what we discussed in the selection committee.”

‘As India plan for the new season ahead, with the selection committee set to pick the team for the Asia Cup T20I on August 19, how do they handle their main players will be the question?

The next major selection duties for Ajit Agarkar’s committee are going to be the Asia Cup, the Test matches against the West Indies, the limited overs tour of Australia followed by the Test series against South Africa at home.