West Indies cricket legend Clive Lloyd has voiced support for the inclusion of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India's T20I World Cup squad. Lloyd emphasized the importance of a balanced team, stating that relying solely on young players might not be prudent. The veteran duo has been selected for the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan, indicating their continued relevance in the shortest format.
Lloyd, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, stressed the need for a mix of experience and youth. Despite ongoing debates about the place of seasoned players in the squad, Lloyd believes Kohli, one of the best players, and Rohit, an effective captain, should be part of the team. He acknowledged the presence of talented young players but emphasized the importance of a formidable side with a blend of experience.
Expressing his preferences, Lloyd mentioned Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer as standout batters in the Indian team. He praised the overall balance in the team, highlighting India's depth in talent.
However, Lloyd raised concerns about the excessive cricket being played, suggesting that it might make the sport "stale." The legendary cricketer discussed the challenges faced by West Indies cricket, attributing the decline to the dominance of T20 franchise leagues. He emphasized the importance of paying Test cricketers well to maintain the integrity of the longer format.
Lloyd criticized the impact of T20 cricket on West Indies, noting that players prioritize shorter formats over representing their country. He expressed concern about losing players to T20 leagues, highlighting the contrast with cricket powerhouses like India, Pakistan, England, and Australia, which can replenish talent due to their large talent pools. Lloyd called for better compensation for Test cricketers, aligning the pay with the significance of the format.
(With Agency Inputs)
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