Rohit will continue as captain, BCCI shortlists 20 players for World Cup
There is no threat to Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in ODIs and Test cricket as of now as according to sources the top brass of the board have not found anything unsatisfactory in his captaincy in the traditional formats. Captain Rohit, head coach Rahul Dravid attended the review meeting called by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. The meeting was also attended by the previous selection committee chief Chetan Sharma, NCA chief VVS Laxman and Board President Roger Binny. The focus is on the World Test Championship and hopes of India reaching the final are high.
Apart from this, ODI World Cup is also to be held in 2023. New T20 captain Hardik Pandya did not attend the meeting. Hardik is in Mumbai for the T20 series against Sri Lanka starting on Tuesday. A BCCI source said, “Rohit is captaining the ODI and Test teams and there has been no talk about his future as captain in these two formats.” His captaincy record in Tests and ODIs is excellent.” It was also decided that the pool of 20 players would be rotated till the 2023 World Cup.
Shah said after the meeting, “The BCCI has selected 20 players who will be rotated till the 50-over World Cup.” Chetan Sharma, who attended the review meeting, may again become the chairman of the senior national selection committee. Even if he does not become the president, he can be the representative of the northern region. Former fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad’s name is also doing the rounds for South Zone but his selection is not certain. The inclusion of Sharma in preparing the roadmap for the preparations for the 2023 World Cup is a big sign.
“Had Sharma not been asked, he would not have applied for the post at all. This in itself is a sign. India has to play the World Cup in ten months. With the presence of Chetan and Harvinder there will be continuity with the three new members.” It is understood that SS Das is likely to be picked from the East Zone as he has 21 Test experience. From the west, the names of Gujarat’s Mukund Parmar, Salil Ankola and Sameer Dighe are in the running.
