T20 World Cup 2022: Should Rohit Sharma step down as captain of India's T20 team after the World Cup?

After lifting the trophy in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, the team has always gone with solid teams in the recent editions but choked every time, like South Africa. Rohit Sharma took the captaincy baton from Virat Kohli after the latter stepped down from the role following defeat in last year's World Cup. And since then, Rohit Sharma has broken many records in less than a year as a captain. 

Though it's not been a year, it still makes sense that the Hitman steps down as T20I captain, irrespective of the result of the upcoming tournament. Here are all the reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire after the World Cup.

Considering the age factor for T20 World Cup 2024

He, team management, and selectors must look at the more significant prospect for team India after this World Cup. The next edition of the World Cup will be in 2024, and Rohit Sharma will be 37 by that time. 

The age adds a lot of uncertainty to whether he will be part of the team by then or not, considering his presence in cricket across all the formats. If he takes an exit later next year or just before the next World Cup, it will significantly hinder the team's preparation and stability. 

Fitness concerns and his long career needed in other formats

Besides age, fitness has been one of the biggest headaches for India's skipper. He has been prone to injuries which forces him to get sidelined quite often. He is the leading run-scorer for his team in the T20I format and might see him retiring from the format he bosses if he wishes to enjoy an extended career in red-ball cricket or the 50-over format. 

Many international and domestic matches are happening, increasing players' workload. And considering that next year there is a 50-over format World Cup and ongoing matches for the World Test Championship, it becomes essential to keep him fit for those matches as the team needs a player like him in those formats. 

A fair chance for the emerging talent

Owing to the IPL, India has a strong bench of talented players who have been awaiting opportunities to play international games which will only be possible when senior players make room for it. 

This year we saw two big names also retiring from one of the formats so that they could focus on their game and give a chance to young talents to come in.

Australian captain Aaron Finch said, "It is time now to give a new leader the best possible opportunity to prepare for and win the next (50-over) World Cup."

England captain Eoin Morgan who retired at 36, said, "I believe the future for England's white-ball teams is brighter than ever. We have more experience, more strength and more depth than ever before. I look forward to watching on with a huge level of excitement."

With ICC's effort to make every format equally important, it's wise to say they have been quite successful. India cannot compromise with Rohit Sharma's experience in the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup next year.

Rohit Sharma, who'll turn 36 next April, can safely leave the T20I captaincy with KL Rahul and create a sustainable workload leaving the T20I aside.