Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled to perform effectively in the match against Afghanistan. Both batsmen appeared out of sorts, struggling to time the ball and find boundaries. Rohit Sharma, in particular, played several dot balls and eventually got out after scoring just 8 runs off 13 balls. Kohli, despite his longer stay at the crease, managed only 24 runs off 24 balls before departing.
India's victory against Afghanistan was largely due to Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya's contributions rather than Rohit and Kohli. Their dismissals were seen as turning points that allowed other batsmen to play freely and stabilise the innings.
The decision to open with Virat Kohli, especially at the age of 35 and after a successful stint at No. 3 in T20Is, is heavily criticised. It is suggested that a younger and more dynamic option like Yashasvi Jaiswal should be considered instead. It questions the rationale behind accommodating Kohli in the opening role despite his recent struggles.
The BCCI and team management are blamed for mishandling the batting order and player selections. Rohit Sharma's captaincy role necessitates his inclusion, but questions persist about Virat Kohli's role and form in the team.
Relying solely on Yadav and Pandya to rescue the team is unsustainable against stronger opponents like Australia, England, and South Africa. It calls for immediate changes, including bringing in Yashasvi Jaiswal and reconsidering players like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube.
The overarching expectation from the Indian team is to win the T20 World Cup, not just reach the semi-finals or final. There is a sense of urgency to rectify the team's issues before it's too late in the tournament.
In conclusion, the underperformance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, questions the team management's decisions and calls for strategic changes to enhance India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup 2024. It underscores the pressure on the team to deliver a championship-winning performance and the repercussions of failure on the cricket establishment.