'It would be madness' - Andre Russell on leaving Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli out of T20 World Cup 2024 squad

After the heartbreaking loss of India in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia, there have been widespread talks on the future of batting star Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma in T20Is. According to several reports, the duo has made themselves unavailable for the upcoming white-ball series in South Africa consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is.

Notably, both Rohit and Kohli haven’t played a single T20I since India’s humiliating ten-wicket loss against England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022. However, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell feels that it would be ‘madness’ if India don’t pick the duo in the squad for the mega event.

Also Read: Reports: Virat Kohli to take break from white-ball cricket, set to miss South Africa ODIs and T20Is

"I don't know why this is a big thing (the debate on Rohit and Virat). Social media can actually get in the way of cricketers by questioning their potential. Rohit with the experience and Virat being Virat, it would be madness if India pick a team for the (T20) World Cup and they are not in them,” Russel was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

He further backed Kohli and Rohit’s selection by putting them in the same bracket as the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

"Rohit is a big game player. Kohli loves the big stage. When a player enjoys being in such a situation, he is not nervous or tentative. I hope the board doesn't listen to the media and decide. I would definitely give them this World Cup. Don't treat big players like that. They have done so much for Indian cricket. They are right in that bracket of Sachin Tendulkar. So, it will be unfair to them. It will be madness if they are not picked,” he added.

Kohli and Rohit are top two run scorers in T20Is

Also Read: 'I want to see him as captain in T20 WC' - Gautam Gambhir wants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing T20Is

Notably, both Kohli and Rohit are the top two run scorers in the history of T20I respectively. Rohit brings with him immense experience of over 16 years having represented India in all the eight editions of the T20 World Cup so far. On the other hand, Kohli is the leading run-scorer in both T20Is and T20 World Cup history and has also won the prestigious Player of the Tournament awards twice in the tournament’s history (2014 and 2016).

Hence, India will take a huge gamble if they don’t include the two stalwarts of the format in their squad.