Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has ignited a fresh debate around team selection by questioning the continued presence of senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the T20I setup. His comments come just ahead of India's upcoming three-match T20 series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 27, 2026.
Pathan's Call for a Youth-Centric T20 Vision
Irfan Pathan, a key member of India's 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad, expressed his views candidly. He emphasized the need for the Indian team management and selectors to build a squad focused on the next ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. Pathan argued that while the experience of players like Kohli and Rohit is invaluable, the shortest format demands a clear long-term strategy centered on younger, dynamic players who specialize in T20 cricket.
He pointed out that the series against New Zealand presents a perfect opportunity to test and blood new talent. Pathan specifically mentioned that if the team is looking ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup, the planning should start now by giving consistent chances to the next generation. His stance is not a critique of the abilities of the two modern-day legends but a strategic viewpoint on team building for a specific format.
The Context: India's T20I Calendar and World Cup Planning
The discussion gains significance because the New Zealand series is one of the few T20I assignments for India in the near future. With major multi-format tours and Test cricket dominating the calendar, dedicated T20 game time is limited. Pathan's argument hinges on utilizing these precious matches to develop a cohesive unit for the future.
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have had illustrious T20I careers, but their recent involvement in the format has been intermittent. Rohit Sharma last played a T20I for India in November 2022, while Virat Kohli's last appearance was in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. Their return to the T20I fold for this series marks a significant moment, making Pathan's questioning of the move even more noteworthy.
Balancing Experience with Transition
The core of Irfan Pathan's take revolves around a delicate balance. He acknowledges the class and match-winning prowess of Kohli and Rohit. However, he urges the think-tank to make tough decisions for the health of the team's future. The former cricketer suggested that the management must decide whether they are viewing these veterans as part of the 2026 World Cup plans or not.
If they are not, Pathan believes, it is better to start the transition process immediately. This would allow newcomers to settle into their roles and build experience under pressure. The debate touches a nerve in Indian cricket, where managing the phasing out of iconic players while integrating new talent has always been a challenging task.
As the team prepares to face New Zealand, all eyes will be on the performances of Kohli and Rohit. Their success could validate their inclusion, while any struggle will undoubtedly amplify the calls for a more aggressive youth policy, much like the one Irfan Pathan is advocating for.
