IND vs. SA: Rohit Sharma's T20I Role Under Scrutiny Before South Africa Tour

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and national selectors are set to engage in discussions with Rohit Sharma about his white-ball future as they convene on Thursday to select the squad for India 's upcoming tour of South Africa, following the World Cup reset.

India is slated to depart for South Africa on December 6 for a series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches.

Reports suggest that the selectors would welcome an extension of Rohit 's T20I career after his year-long hiatus from the format, during which he had previously expressed contentment even if not selected for T20Is.

Concerns have arisen among selectors and team management over Hardik Pandya 's recurring fitness issues. With the T20I World Cup scheduled for June next year, stability in leadership is sought, especially considering Pandya's delayed recovery from an ankle injury during the recent World Cup. Although Pandya's fitness is anticipated for the IPL, if he retains the T20I captaincy, he would lead India directly into the T20 World Cup.

After the T20 World Cup's semifinal exit in 2022, the team management had moved away from senior players like Rohit, Virat Kohli , R Ashwin, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in T20Is. Rohit had accepted this decision, while Kohli reportedly took an indefinite break from white-ball international cricket. The selection for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour will reveal the approach towards senior pacers.

In the context of Test team selection, a choice may emerge between Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna for the fifth pacer's slot. Prasidh, identified as Ishant Sharma's replacement, has had limited opportunities to solidify his Test position, while Mukesh's impressive evolution may sway the decision.

Discussions will also revolve around whether KL Rahul can serve as a second wicket-keeping option after Ishan Kishan or if KS Bharat will secure another tour opportunity.