After an absence of more than 14 months, the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made a notable comeback to the Indian T20 International squad. The team, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, is set to compete in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Virat Kohli will be rejoining the team after the first match. This series marks India's final T20I commitment before the much-anticipated T20 World Cup in 2024. In the lead-up to the World Cup, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is expected to play a crucial role as a preparatory ground for the players.

Deep Dasgupta, a former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has shared his insights regarding the influence of IPL performances on the career trajectories of seasoned players like Kohli and Sharma. He opines that while the IPL is an important event, it should not be the definitive factor in determining the future of such established players. Dasgupta confidently predicts that Kohli, known for his consistent performance, is likely to score over 500 runs in the season, irrespective of the overall outcome. He also expressed curiosity about Rohit Sharma's performance in the upcoming season, especially since he will not be captaining the Mumbai Indians, marking a change in his usual role within the team.

Discussing the selection for the World Cup squad and the starting eleven, Dasgupta suggests that most of the decisions are nearly finalized. He underscores the significance of captaincy in the T20 format and hints that Rohit Sharma is expected to lead the Indian team in the World Cup, considering his current leadership role in the team's last series.

The T20 World Cup 2024, jointly hosted by the United Arab Emirates and the West Indies, is scheduled to commence on June 1, with the final match slated for June 29. Dasgupta points out that the pitches in the West Indies are typically not favorable for high-scoring games, and he anticipates matches with scores in the range of 160-170 runs. He believes that the experience and stability that players like Kohli and Sharma bring to the team will be valuable. This is particularly relevant given the noticeable shift in the team's approach and clarity following the 50-over World Cup. Their presence in the squad is expected to provide a solid foundation and strategic advantage in the challenging conditions anticipated at the World Cup venues.