Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes captain Rohit Sharma will have extra motivation to win the ICC T20 World Cup, slated for June 1-29 in the West Indies and United States. Kaif noted this tournament may be Rohit’s last chance to secure an ICC trophy for the Indian team.

BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming tournament and named Rohit Sharma as captain. Kaif also pointed out that this gives Rohit a chance to redeem himself after India’s loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final last year at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

“Rohit Sharma realizes that his playing career has only 2 or 3 years left. Virat Kohli is facing a similar dilemma as he gets older. This presents a major opportunity for Rohit to make his mark as captain of the team,” Kaif said on Star Sports.

“India suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the final, despite winning 10 games in the ODI World Cup. Fans were devastated, as was the team. Let’s hope India can avoid the same disappointing outcome in the upcoming T20 World Cup,” he continued.

According to Kaif, India would probably have an easy time in the league stage before meeting strong opposition in the semifinals and finals. Kaif also believed that playing in the IPL and a T20 World Cup is different.

“There are no tough opponents in the league stage. Only the semifinals and finals will have tough challengers. Those are the most important clashes. The IPL provides multiple chances in its league stage. There is no margin for error in the World Cup,” he added

“With an uncertain future, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be highly motivated and eager to seize this opportunity to rectify their mistakes against Australia. Coming off strong performances in the IPL, the two players are in top form and ready to make amends in the upcoming matches,” he concluded.

India will start their campaign in the T20 World Cup against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York City.

Related