Rahul Dravid, the head coach of India, refuted claims that his side had implemented divided captaincy on Monday. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul’s futures in the shortest format have been the subject of debate ever since India’s unceremonious quarterfinal departure from the T20 World Cup last year. Since the World Cup quarterfinal against England in November, the three have not played in a T20 match. They have also missed the series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Additionally, they won’t play in the three games against the New Zealanders starting this week.
Hardik Pandya, who has been captaining the Indian T20 squad in Rohit’s absence, is widely seen as the favourite to lead the team at the 2024 T20 World Cup. “I’m not aware of any (India adopting split captaincy). You should ask the selectors that question, but as of right now, I doubt it “In a news conference held prior to the third ODI between India and New Zealand, Dravid made the statement.
Dravid himself had earlier this month urged patience as the Indian T20 squad went through a rebuilding phase, implying that it may be the last match for players like Kohli, Rohit, and Rahul.
Rohit, though, insists that he hasn’t made a decision on his T20 future.
“Three T20Is are scheduled against New Zealand. After the IPL, we’ll see what happens. I have not made the decision to abandon the format, “Rohit stated earlier in the month.
No member of the team will be released in order to participate in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals because of the overlap between the preparation for the crucial four-match Test series against Australia and the Ranji Trophy.
The Ranji Trophy quarterfinals are scheduled for January 31, and the Indian Test players are expected to arrive for a training camp on February 2.
“Although it is a difficult situation for us, we would really like the lads to be allowed to play. The quarters, in my opinion, begin on December 31 or January 1, and Border Gavaskar preparations start at at the same time “explained Dravid.
However, the coach stated that, depending on the circumstance, there could be room to discharge players during the semifinal and championship games.
“Obviously, in the lead-up to a large event like that, we won’t be able to release any players, but when the series begins and an opportunity arises where someone is not participating and is necessary in the semifinal or final, we will definitely look at it.
“We have already decided that the selectors won’t interfere with anyone who is participating in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal.” Want to offer athletes who fit inside our plan some game time One could assume that the third one-day international against New Zealand is only a formality as the series is already won, but Dravid views it as an opportunity to give his team crucial experience.
There is a chance to offer the lads outside who are in our plans some game time, so it’s obviously not just a formality.
“Winning games and series is crucial, but you also need to give your team ample experience.
“In order for such players to be able to participate in major events when someone is injured. Therefore, it’s great that we have the chance, but this game is not a formality, Dravid added.
