The Impressive TimesEngland,May 14:Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has stated that the absence of Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20 internationals will be a major advantage for the England team, particularly in high-stakes clashes such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Moeen believes that the exit of the experienced duo opens up opportunities for the English side to dominate, especially with the Indian team expected to undergo a transition phase.
Speaking to British media ahead of the global tournament, Moeen remarked, “Rohit and Virat have been the backbone of India’s batting for over a decade. Their absence will definitely make things easier for the opposition, especially England. These two have a presence that is hard to replace overnight.”
The England vice-captain further pointed out that while India has a pool of talented youngsters, the pressure of big tournaments like the T20 World Cup is a different challenge altogether. “Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and others are fantastic players. But experience counts. It remains to be seen how they handle knockout situations without the guidance of Virat or Rohit in the middle.”
Moeen Ali also shared his thoughts on India’s potential next T20I captain, backing Shubman Gill as the front-runner for the leadership role. “Gill has been in sensational form and has shown maturity well beyond his years. He’s calm, composed, and has a sharp cricketing brain. I think he’s the best candidate to take over the T20I captaincy,” said Moeen.
Shubman Gill, who captains the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is already being seen as a leader in the making. His aggressive yet composed batting style, along with his cool-headed decision-making during high-pressure situations, has earned him praise from current and former cricketers alike.
The transition of leadership in Indian cricket has been a talking point ever since reports emerged that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be part of India’s future T20 plans. With selectors looking at the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond, fresh blood and younger leadership could become the new norm.
England, the defending champions of the T20 World Cup, are set to face stiff competition, but Moeen’s remarks highlight the psychological edge his team feels it might have. “This could be a turning point,” he noted. “When legends step away, there’s always a period of uncertainty. England will look to capitalise on that.”
As India begins its preparation for a new T20 era, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill and the next generation of Indian stars. Whether they can fill the enormous shoes of Rohit and Virat remains to be seen, but the world will be watching closely
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