20-year-olds will understand that the likes of Rohit and Virat are needed to help India win the T20 World Cup: AB de Villiers

India’s three-match home T20I series against Afghanistan is an important assignment as the 2024 T20 World Cup is on the horizon.

This is the last T20I assignment for India ahead of the marquee event. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma and talismanic batter Virat Kohli have been recalled to the side for this series against the Blue Tigers. The experienced duo’s last appearance in a T20I line-up for India was in the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup against England. Over the following 14 months, the Men in Blue gave opportunities to youngsters and quite a few of them managed to stand out.

However, with the all-important T20 World Cup knocking on the door, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has fallen back on seasoned campaigners like Rohit and Kohli. While a lot of fans are elated with the return of the two Indian stalwarts, in the shortest format of the game, a section has slammed the selectors for ditching youngsters ahead of the showpiece event. However, legendary South African batter AB de Villiers has backed the decision to recall Rohit and Kohli, stating that youngsters will understand the value that the two veterans bring to the table.

“I understand (criticism on the selection of Rohit and Kohli), but at the end of the day, it is a cricket World Cup. If Virat Kohli is good enough, he has to play. I don’t care whether he is managing his career due to age. 20-year-olds will understand that the likes of Rohit and Virat are needed to help India win the T20 World Cup. I wish I had that management when I was 35,” AB de Villiers said on his official YouTube channel.

“I think India have shown their intent by adding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to their T20I squad. They’re clearly thinking about the T20 World Cup,” the 39-year-old added.

The first T20I between India and Afghanistan takes place at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, January 11.