Xtra Time Web Desk: After convincing Rahul Dravid to renew his contract as the Head Coach of Indian senior men’s team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) top brass wants Rohit Sharma to lead the T20I side during the upcoming tour to South Africa starting next month from December 10.
Rohit, who has not played a T20I since India’s exit from the T20 World Cup in 2022, had expressed a reluctance to play the shorter format. However, his successful leadership in the ODI World Cup has led the BCCI to consider him for the T20 format until the T20 World Cup in June-July.
With Hardik Pandya expected to miss the South Africa tour due to an ankle injury, the BCCI is left with the task of convincing Rohit to lead the T20I side. If Rohit declines, Suryakumar Yadav, currently leading the Indian team in the T20I series against Australia, is likely to be named captain for the South Africa series.
The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, and selection committee chairman, Ajit Agarkar, are set to meet to discuss squad selections and plan for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former captain Virat Kohli has requested a break from white-ball games in South Africa, and the participation of both Kohli and KL Rahul in the T20Is will depend on their performances in the IPL, with Rahul potentially playing as a keeper-batter for Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season. The BCCI is expected to announce the squads for the South Africa series soon.