Will Rohit Sharma lead India in T20 World Cup 2024? BCCI secretary Jay Shah gives sharp reply

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Rohit Sharma might not have featured in a single T20I match after India's semi-final defeat against England at the T20 World Cup 2022, but he is not the strongest contender to lead the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup 2024.

He has taken a break from white-ball cricket after India's defeat in the World Cup 2023 final against Australia. There were reports that Rohit Sharma would lead the Indian team in the three-match T20I series against South Africa, however, he was rested from the white-ball leg of the tour which kicks off from December 10.

The 36-year-old would directly return to lead the Indian cricket team in the 2-Test series against South Africa from December 31. India play their last three T20Is before the T20 World Cup 2024 in January against Afghanistan. The IPL 2024 would be the last dress rehearsal opportunity for the Indian players who will be part of the squad for the mega event.

Rohit Sharma to lead India at T20 World Cup 2024? Jay Shah responds

BCCI secretary Jay Shah was asked if Rohit Sharma would lead the Indian cricket team at the T20 World Cup 2024 on the sidelines of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 action on Saturday, November 9.

Jay Shah played down the question saying that the event was still seven months away and the decision over India T20I captain can be taken later.

“What is the need to have clarity right now? It (T20 World Cup) is starting in June, we have the IPL before that and the series against Afghanistan,” Shah said.

Jay Shah also gave a fitness update on Hardik Pandya. The 30-year-old was named India's T20I captain after the T20 World Cup 2022. He suffered an ankle injury in the World Cup 2023.

“We are monitoring him on a day-to-day basis. He is at the NCA and working very hard. He could be fit before the Afghanistan series also,” said Shah.

Suryakumar Yadav led the Indian team in the five-match T20I series against Australia after the World Cup 2023. He will also lead the team in the South Africa T20Is.

The BCCI secretary also opened up on the contract extension of head coach Rahul Dravid. He said the tenure duration of Dravid and his coaching staff would be decided once they return from the South Africa tour in January.

“We have given the extension but are yet to finalise the contract. We did not get time at all. They finished (with the World Cup), I had a meeting with them (Dravid and support staff) and we agreed mutually that they will continue. We will sit down and decide once they return from South Africa,” Shah said.