Former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has emphasized that the void left by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's T20I squad cannot be filled by anyone else. Kohli bid farewell to T20Is with a stellar 76-run innings that helped India clinch a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the Men’s T20 World Cup final.
Following Kohli, Rohit Sharma also announced his retirement from T20Is after steering India to the T20 World Cup title. Speaking to IANS during a curtain raiser event for the Trinity Golf Championship League, Kapil Dev discussed the contributions of these cricketing stalwarts and shared insights on the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics:
Q: With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is post the World Cup triumph, who do you see stepping up to replace them in the Indian team?
A: No one can step into the shoes of Virat and Rohit in any format of Indian cricket. They have been pillars of strength for Indian cricket, and their farewell was a fitting tribute to their contributions. Virat's impact across formats is immense, and his absence will surely be felt in T20Is.
Q: How significant are Virat and Rohit in Indian T20I cricket?
A: They are akin to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and M.S. Dhoni. Their influence extends beyond T20Is, encompassing all formats of the game.
Q: The Indian squad is gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024. What advice would you offer them?
A: While I can't offer specific advice, I wish them the best of luck. It's crucial for us to aim for more medals this year.
Q: As President of PGTI, what message would you like to convey to Indian golfers?
A: Golf and cricket share a bond where performance can hinge on a single day. Indian golfers have shown promise, and I believe we have strong contenders. My faith particularly lies with Aditi Ashok, whom I believe can bring home a medal for India.
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