India captain Rohit Sharma denied claims of attending a meeting with BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Rahul Dravid to strategize for the T20 World Cup. Recently, a prominent Indian newspaper reported that Rohit, Dravid, and Agarkar gathered in Mumbai for a two-hour discussion.
It was focusing on two key topics: the necessity for Hardik Pandya to bowl more frequently to secure a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, and the consideration of Virat Kohli opening alongside captain Rohit in the Playing XI. However, Rohit rejected these reports as ‘false’ information, stating that he hadn’t encountered anyone. He advised the public to be cautious about believing anything not directly communicated by him, Agarkar, Dravid, or the BCCI.
“I haven’t met anyone. Ajit Agarkar is somewhere in Dubai playing golf and Rahul Dravid is actually watching his kids play in Bengaluru,”Rohit spoke to Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist during the Club Prairie Fire podcast.
“He [Dravid] was in Mumbai but he got him [the son] to play on a red-soil wicket at CCI. That’s about it. We haven’t met, to be honest. I think in today’s day and age, unless you hear it from either myself or Rahul himself or Ajit himself or someone from BCCI coming and talking in front of the camera, everything is fake.”
Keeping an eye on the Kohli and Hardik scenario
As the BCCI prepares to announce India’s T20 World Cup squad in early May, each IPL match gains significance due to the high competition for limited spots. A month ago, there were speculations about Kohli’s inclusion in the final 15, with reports suggesting that he might lose out to youngsters Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Kohli indirectly addressed these rumors after a match-winning performance in the IPL, playfully telling the broadcaster “I think I still have it.” However, as time passed, Kohli’s position appears to be clear, and he is expected to represent India in the West Indies and USA.
Regarding Hardik, the all-rounder has recently been making headlines for unfavorable reasons. Not only has he faced criticism from fans, but his decision not to bowl in a couple of matches adds complexity to his potential inclusion.
Hardik’s participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup was curtailed due to an ankle injury sustained during the Bangladesh game, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament. However, considering his leadership in T20Is while Rohit and Kohli prioritized ODIs, Pandya should be a definite starter in India’s Playing XI.
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