In an unexpected turn of events that baffled cricket fans, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has formally protested the exclusion of batting legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from India’s T20I team for the upcoming West Indies series. While Rohit and Kohli continue to rule in Tests and ODIs, the selectors’ lack of explanation for their omission from the intense T20 matches has created questions. Ganguly, renowned for his boldness both on and off the field, argues that the dynamic duo can still electrify the shortest format.

“Unleash your finest warriors, irrespective of their reputation. Mark my words, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma possess the T20 firepower that could ignite stadiums. Their flame hasn’t wavered,” Ganguly proclaimed with conviction during an exclusive interview with RevSportz.

Indeed, the absence of Rohit and Kohli, two cricketing giants, who last appeared in a T20I during the heart-wrenching 2019 World Cup semi-final against England, raises pertinent questions. What is the rationale behind sidelining these maestros? Have their illustrious records in other formats been overshadowed by new contenders? The cricketing world eagerly awaits answers.

With Rohit’s explosive hitting prowes and Kohli’s masterful run accumulation, their skills seem tailor-made for T20 cricket. The “Hitman” lit up the IPL with his scorching blade, and Kohli’s sublime form was on full display. The fans, echoing Ganguly’s sentiments, demand an explanation as to why these exceptional talents have been sidelined.

Amidst this swirling storm of controversy, emerging talents like Rinku Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Jitesh Sharma, who earned their spots in the T20I squad, face both an opportunity and a challenge. Ganguly, the torchbearer of nurturing talent, urges them to seize the moment and prove their mettle.

“The journey to glory demands perseverance. Embrace every chance that comes your way, for your time will come. Remember, only 15 warriors can march onto the battlefield, and only 11 shall enter the fray. Such is the way of cricket,” Ganguly emphasized, offering solace to the young guns.

As India embarks on their much-anticipated West Indies tour, commencing with a fierce Test clash in Barbados on July 12, the absence of Rohit and Kohli in the T20I lineup lingers like a shadow over the team. The cricketing fraternity remains captivated, yearning to witness the return of these giants in the game’s shortest and most electrifying format.