Rohit Sharma backed for T20I return [Source: AFP]It has been nearly two years since the legendary Rohit Sharma last played a T20I match for India, but even today, fans and experts crave for his presence in the game’s shortest format. Rohit has not only delivered in international cricket but has also been a pillar for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.Rohit was the second Indian captain to win the T20 World Cup for India, and it was his change of play style that triggered India’s success in the T20 format. After his retirement, India underwent a change, with new openers coming in, and a plethora of key personnels replaced.Even without Rohit, India delivered the goods in the T20 World Cup 2026, as Suryakumar Yadav’s boys decimated the Kiwis to win the tournament. Ex-CSK star backs Rohit Sharma to return in India's T20I squadThe Indian fans have moved on from the former T20I skipper, but it seems a former CSK star is still in awe of Rohit’s leadership and believes Rohit is still good enough to play in T20Is for India.Subramaniam Badrinath, the CSK legend, believes that even at this age, Rohit can make it into the T20I squad, and at the same time, he highlighted Mumbai Indians’ opening pair of Rohit and Quinton de Kock as “intimidating.”A"He's still good enough to be part of the Indian T20I side. His opening partnership with Quinton de Kock is scary. How did the other owners allow MI to buy De Kock? It's an amazing buy for MI,” said Badrinath on his YouTube channel.Also Read: Mumbai Indians Stars Who Can Take Retirement From IPL After 2026Rohit's outstanding T20 numbers which prompted Badrinath's responseThere is a reason why Badrinath backed Rohit, even at the age of 38. He is still fit enough to play the gruelling IPL, and in recent years, the batter has completely transformed his T20 style of batting. Up until 2022, he had a sedate batting approach, which not only hampered his form but affected the team as well.However, ever since India exited the T20 World Cup in 2022, Rohit changed his and the team’s approach as an aggressive plan was devised, with Rohit leading the charge. He left his anchoring role, and became one of the most destructive openers.Even in the IPL, his last two seasons have yielded positive results, as the batter has struck at 149, and 150 in the last two IPL seasons, respectively. Hence, Badrinath is confident that even today, Rohit will work as an opener in T20Is.IPL 2026, a chance for Rohit to showcases his classThe last two IPL campaigns were outstanding for Rohit Sharma, but the upcoming season holds utmost importance as his 2027 World Cup spot hangs in jeopardy. Despite being a legend in the ODIs, there is no certainty on Rohit boarding the flight to South Africa for the World Cup, as head coach Gautam Gambhir will closely monitor his and Virat Kohli’s form.Rohit has retired from Tests and T20Is and only plays in ODIs. However, to stay match-fit, he needs to consistently deliver in the IPL, and failure to do so in IPL 2026 could hamper his chances in India’s World Cup squad.Also Read: ICC Full Member Team Allowed To Boycott Afghanistan; Taliban Cited As Reason
