Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain and ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Friday said Rohit Sharma should lead India at least till the T20 World Cup in June next year. Impressed with his captaincy during the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup, Ganguly threw his weight behind Rohit Sharma even though the Mumbaikar has not played since T20 World Cup 202 semi-final against England.
“Once Rohit is back playing all formats, he should be the captain of India, because he has done so well in the World Cup,” said Sourav, who was named the Dabur Chyawanprash’s brand ambassador for East India, during a program here.
Like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli too has stayed away from T20 cricket for a while. On being asked whether they should be in the scheme of things for forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA, Sourav said, “World Cups are different than a bilateral series because the pressures are different. They have been exceptional this World Cup and hopefully six-seven months down the line in the West Indies they will be again at their best,”
Both Rohit and Virat are enjoying a break from cricket with their families. The duo had already intimated BCCI about their decision to take a break from white ball cricket. They will join the Indian squad before the first test against South Africa in Centurion on December 26.
“Very rightfully, they have taken a break because there is so much cricket all the time. I cannot imagine that you played a World Cup final on the 19th and in three days’ time you’re playing a T20I series against the same team,” Ganguly said. “It is not easy to pick yourselves up, especially with the pressures and demands of the World Cup. I’m happy that they have got a break.
“They will come back fresh for Tests there’re five Tests against England there’s IPL, and then the T20 World Cup, so it’s non-stop cricket. Hopefully they’ll come back fresh and keep performing.”
The BCCI has also extended the contract of India head coach Rahul Dravid at least till the T20 World Cup, even though the exact duration of his second term is not yet known. It was during Ganguly’s BCCI tenure that Dravid had become the head coach and the former India lefthander was happy for his teammate’s contract extension.
“I’m not surprised that they have shown faith in Dravid. When I was president of the Board, we convinced him to do this job. And I’m so happy to see yesterday that his tenure has been extended. “It was always the case, depending on whether he wanted it or not. I wish him luck for another World Cup in June. He was very close this time,” said Sourav.
Asked about India’s title drought at an ICC global showpiece, Ganguly said, “Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day.” “As a captain, I’ve qualified for three finals, and lost twice 2003 World Cup and 2001 Champions Trophy. So I don’t have the right to say how to win finals. I managed just one win that too as joint winners with Sri Lanka (2002 Champions Trophy).”
He added, “At least, they are making the final and by dominating the tournament. Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day, their luck will change. There is no rocket science. “At Australia 47/3, India had a great chance, one wicket and it would have been different. But it’s past now.”