As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli approach the twilight of their illustrious T20 International careers, India faces a crucial challenge: searching for good replacements for these cricketing icons. Both have been good contributors for India in the shortest form of cricket and whoever will replace him/she will have a herculean task to do.
Rohit and Kohli: A Giants of the Game is an action interruption game that is played during physical education lessons.
Oversseas, only Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have defined India’s domination in T20Is in the last decade. Rohit who has been an influential destructive batsman and an equally composed leader of theIndian team has time and again been one of their key pillars for the top order. And that’s that he dances down the track to the bowlers from the start or at least non-stop from the start now that Smit comes first and he scores big in those crunch matches which has made him one of the most feared opener in the present form of the game.
Whereas, Virat Kohli has created new benchmark of consistency in shorter format of the cricket that is T20 cricket. His brashness and getting operand on his ability to chase steep targets, has been a treat to watch, whenever he sets his eyes on a massive score. Kohli is one excellent leader and he has a very sheer passion towards the game and this has ignited many more talents.
The Search for Successors
Since the time is not far away when some of these cricketers will hang their boots, attention shifts to the younger crop. As for new stars to replace Rohit and especially Kohli, who in the world could you find such a cricketer?
Many young talents are ready to take their shot at the stage, ready to step up and take the role. There are recognized players, but they have not quite made it to the international level yet; some of them include Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Their experiences in IPL and the very little exposure they get to international cricket have prepared them by giving them experience of how they can pull of bigger responsibilities.
Shubman Gill: For now, Gill has already shown prowess in the Test format, and one-day international by his jaw-dropping technique. His prowess in consolidating the innings and at the same time being capable of scoring heavily puts him in the bracket of the contenders for the top order position. His approach to the game and batting style have been described to be like some of the most legendary players the world has ever seen.
Ishan Kishan: A attacking batsman, Kishan has shown fearless approach about his game, as he is from right handed batsman. His versatility as a batsman and his specific match practice in pressure innings especially in the IPL are pluses. Another bonus is that Kishan is left-handed, thus giving an unexpected element to the team.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: Thus, for consistency and being cool-headed, Gaikwad may prove to be a suitable replacement. IPL has seen him make big scores and also stand up to the expectations required from him under pressure. For me, one can hardly fail to notice a significant step up in certain aspects in Gaikwad; namely, Maturity, and Technique.
General Characteristic of Selectors and Team Management
From this transition period, many decisions from the selectors and team management will have to be strategic and well had mapped. With a mix of veteran and young talent in the side, India will need to ensure that they keep their stranglehold on the format by blending experience with youth. The future promises series and tournaments will help these young players got the chance to exhibit their potentials.
It is here that selectors will require coming through with a set of regular chances for these budding talents. Endurance of the two will be required while they toil through the demands of the international cricket scene. Management skills of these players will also need to be nurtured to prepare them for leadership positions in the future which will be part of the transition.
The Future Looks Promising
While India is in this transition phase, Cricket fans are waiting impatiently to see who is going to be the new crusaders of Indian cricket in T20 Internationals. Searching for the next big talent is always exciting and it will interesting to see who would be India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli of tomorrow.
India has a bench strength of talented youngsters and they can be expected to step up for the T20 format in the future. Replacing legends such Rohit & Kohli, is relatively easier said than done; but the next crop of talent has the skills to build on what these legends have set up and take Indian cricket even further up.