Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma in press conference© AFP
The BCCI selectors opted for four spinners in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 but none of them were right-arm off-spin options. While Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are wrist spinners, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are both left-arm spinners. During the press conference held at the BCCI headquarters on Thursday, skipper Rohit Sharma was asked about that particular choice made by the selectors and his gesture in response left everyone in splits. When the reporter asked that there were no off-spinners in the side, Rohit gestured towards himself to say that he was an option.
Rohit has not bowled regularly for quite some time but he took a hat-trick back in IPL 2009.
“We discussed a lot, unfortunately, Washy hasn’t played a lot lately. It was then between Ash and Axar. It was like that, we thought having 2 left arm spinners – ash hasn’t played the format lately. Axar was in good form when he played those 5 match against Australia. He has been bowling well and gives us that left handed option in the middle if we want to do something different,” Rohit Sharma said.
Rohit Sharma raised his hand when asked about off spinner
pic.twitter.com/hHlvbw3auk— Nisha (@NishaRo45_) May 2, 2024
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar also hinted at Rohit possibly bowling off-spin.
“Hopefully, the captain can roll his arm over,” said Agarkar.
Agarkar also opened up about choosing Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain for the World Cup.
“Nothing was discussed with regards to vice-captaincy. (About) form, you want all guys to be in good form. He has come after a longish year off. The good part that we have looked at is he has got through all the games so far for MI,” Agarkar told reporters when asked about the all-rounder’s selection and appointment as Rohit’s deputy.
“We have got another month and a little bit till the first game. We know he is doing that and the hope is that he keeps building on that form.
“As long as he stays fit, we know what he brings, how much balance he gives the team. I don’t think there is a replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer at the moment, especially when it comes to the way he bowls,” Agarkar added.
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