In cricket, where formats evolve and players adapt, there are instances when seasoned players take a backseat in specific formats. As of 2023, several prominent Indian players have yet to feature in a T20 International (T20I) match.
Top 5 Indian Players Who Have Not Even Played A Single T20I In 2023:
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the stalwart of Indian cricket, has been absent from T20I action since the 2022 World Cup semi-final. Despite being the official all-format captain, there’s silence on his T20I future. Indian fans eagerly await the selectors’ announcement for the South Africa series, where clarity on Rohit’s role in T20Is might finally emerge. Speculations aside, Rohit remains an active T20I player, leaving the door open for his leadership in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.
2. Virat Kohli
Much like his compatriot Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli hasn’t featured in a T20I in 2023 since the 2022 T20 World Cup. Recognised as one of the fittest players globally, Kohli has the capacity to excel in all three formats. With the T20 World Cup looming next year, Kohli may look to play T20 cricket and not play ODI. We will have to wait for the South Africa series.
3. KL Rahul
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the 2022 T20 World Cup, last played a T20I during the semi-final clash against England. KL Rahul has been criticised for his poor strike rate in T20I’s in the last 2 years. We will have to wait for the South Africa series to know about his T20I future.
4. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami ended up being the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded ODI World Cup in 2023. However, his T20I records are not good. He is too expensive and was not part of the preparations for the 2022 World Cup. However, just ahead of the T20 World Cup, he was included in the team and has not featured in T20I’s since the semi-final of that event.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar played in the 2022 World Cup. His performances in T20I’s have not been that good. Moreover, he has been absent from the team in all formats since the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup.