Irfan Pathan has said that personally, he would like to see Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play in the T20 World Cup 2024. 

Both men were phenomenal for India during the World Cup 2023 campaign as they scored 765 and 597 runs respectively. 

As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the cricketing world is abuzz with speculation about the participation of both men. Despite not having played in the shortest format since the T20 World Cup 2022, their inclusion remains a hot topic. 

Former India cricketer Ashish Nehra has expressed confidence that both Sharma and Kohli will play if they remain fit, citing their experience as invaluable, especially in light of Hardik Pandya's injury complicating selection decisions. Meanwhile, West Indies cricketer Andre Russell has dismissed any doubts about their selection as "madness," emphasising their proven track record on big stages. 

On the other hand, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar suggests a more cautious approach, advocating for selections based on form closer to the tournament. The debate continues as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged that both players had requested a break from the white-ball leg of the tour, fuelling further discussions on their future in T20 internationals.

Speaking to Star Sports, Pathan suggested that there reason why he wants to see Kohli and Rohit play the T20 World Cup is because of it being in the West Indies and feels that the experience of the duo will come in handy. 

"I personally would like to see them. The reason for that is where we are playing the World Cup. The World Cup is in the West Indies, and those pitches have changed.

"Obviously, it's an ICC event, the pitches will be better. That's what we hope as far as the batting conditions are concerned."

"However, if you look at the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and local cricket there as well, the batters need to work really hard. This is where the experience comes in.

Pathan also hailed Rohit as the real leader of Indian cricket and he hopes that the opener continues to lead the team. 

"A lot of people are talking about the need for a fresh approach in T20 cricket, but I think guys like Rohit Sharma, the way he is going at the moment, he has been the real leader of Indian cricket."

"The way he has changed the approach, taken the responsibility on his shoulders and taken the team forward, he has actually changed the mindset."

"That is why I really hope that Rohit Sharma continues as the leader, and at the same time, you can always use guys like Virat Kohli and his experience."

(With inputs from agencies)