'Keep Virat and Rohits fresh for ODI and Test cricket' - Ex-India coach calls for giving exposure to youngsters in T20I cricket in Indian team

The likes of former and current India skippers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma haven't played T20I cricket since the 20-20 World Cup 2022. After the tournament, both senior players were rested for the white-ball series in New Zealand. Early this year, it was reported that the duo won't play T20I cricket this year. Currently, they are only playing ODI and Test cricket, and the IPL.

During the ongoing IPL 2023, a lot of young players have risen to the occasion. After the ongoing season, the Men In Blue will play a few T20I games with the schedule to be announced later. Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has said the Indian team must blood youngsters in the upcoming T20I series later this year.

Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are proven: Ravi Shastri

The 1983 World Cup winner added that the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are proven players. Shastri added that the players who have done well in the ongoing IPL season must be given a chance to play for India. The former all-rounder feels that the likes of Kohli and Sharma must concentrate on ODI and Test cricket.

"Players like Rohit, Virat Kohli, they are proven, you know what they are all about. I would go in that direction so that they get the opportunities, they get the exposure, whilst you keep the Virats and the Rohits fresh for one-day cricket and Test cricket," Shastri stated.

"First T20 series that comes up, play these guys , expose these guys. They should start blooding them right now," Shastri said when talked about youngsters like Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

After the ongoing IPL, the India and Australia teams will play the Test Championship 2023 final next month.