Former Indian head selector Dilip Vengsakar: “Virat and Rohit both are great players.”

The appointment of Hardik Pandya as captain of the Indian cricket team seemed to have signalled a new beginning in the T20 format. Many fans and experts are wondering if veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be allowed to rejoin the national squad in the shortest format, since new players are being given more opportunity.

👏 Happy and Proud https://t.co/mRvX7U9pv7

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 29, 2022

Former Indian head selector Dilip Vengsakar believes Kohli and Rohit will both return to India’s T20I lineup because they still have a lot to give the team in the shorter version of the game.

Vengsarkar, a former head of the selection committee, feels that despite the recent development of talented new players, Kohli and Rohit will both return to India’s T20 team.

“Virat and Rohit both are great players. Over the years they have won many matches. There is still a lot of cricket left in them. They will be back in T20s,” he stated.

“Regarding Tests, they are an integral part of the Indian team. I am a huge fan of both. They are still in great shape physically and mentally (even though both are in their mid-30s). I always believe as a selector that form and fitness are important. Age is no criteria in cricket. Virat Kohli is supremely fit. I still believe they will play in all formats of the game,” Vengsarkar told reporters at the Mumbai Press Club.

A step in the right direction. Great win.🙌 pic.twitter.com/WKQK7LmVsJ

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 10, 2023

Meanwhile, Vengsarkar has advocated for Umran Malik, India’s rising speed wonder, to be included in the Test team.

Thankyou Guwahati…
Kolkata, here we come👍 pic.twitter.com/ISOARUdufY

— Umran Malik (@umran_malik_01) January 11, 2023

“Yes, you have to look at future and groom players as well and at the right time. If I was a selector I would have picked (young Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler) Umran Malik for the Bangladesh Test series. Pace is very important and he can unsettle batsmen with his pace. We don’t have many who can bowl in the 150s. This guy will play havoc when we visit England, Australia or the West Indies,” he said.