Team India is likely to focus on longer formats – Tests and ODIs. Meanwhile, after the T20 World Cup debacle, there might be significant changes in the T20 setup. Team India’s wait for second T20 World Cup title continued after bowing out of the tournament in the semi-finals losing to the eventual winners England. Head coach Rahul Dravid stayed mum on the future of the seniors after he was asked about the same during the press conference, however, it seems like some senior players might be phased out of the format following the T20 tournament.
As per a report by the news agency PTI, the board could hand Hardik Pandya the captaincy for much longer duration than anticipated before as the seniors could focus on Tests and ODIs. The report also mentioned that the board will not force anyone for retirement but slowly and gradually the senior players will not feature in T20s and instead a fresh team will be played before the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The BCCI never asks anyone to retire. It is an individual decision. But yes, with just a handful of T20Is scheduled in 2023, most of the seniors will concentrate on ODIs and Test matches in that cycle,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
You don’t need to announce retirement if you don’t want to. You will not see most of the seniors playing T20 next year,” the source added.
With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on the horizon, the entire focus will shift to the 50-over format. The Men in Blue will be favourites going into the tournament being the hosts, but like T20s, the team management has to zero down on a settled playing XI, which has been the problem in ODIs as well.
