'I don't see any reason why...: AB de Villiers sparks major selection row over Virat Kohli & Rohit

India's ODI World Cup final defeat at the hands of Australia has had a long-lasting effect on the fans and supporters of the team. Despite dominating the tournament throughout the league stage they failed at the most crucial time, in the final. The focus will now shift to the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held next year.

3 things you need to know

• India lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final
• Team India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007
• The next T20 World Cup will take place in the USA and West Indies

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India will be one of the contenders in the 2024 T20 World Cup

There have been reports that Rohit Sharma might opt not to play in the T20 format for India. The Indian skipper hasn't played a game in the shortest format since the defeat in the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal against England. Virat Kohli too hasn't been involved in T20I games and has only played IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. It is not sure whether these two stalwarts will be available for the mega tournament next year but former South African batter AB de Villiers has backed both of them to be a part of the Indian contingent in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

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AB de Villiers backs Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup

The former South African skipper feels Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's experience could prove to be very handy for the Men in Blue in the marquee 20-over tournament.

"It is just one year away (T20 World Cup) so I don't see any reason why they (Rohit and Virat) shouldn't be there. You need experience in World Cups and I don't think you get any better experience than the two of them. Rohit batted very well at the top of the order in the World Cup and that's exactly what you want in T20 cricket. Virat is the glue of that middle order."

He further added, "I can understand how Rohit and Virat must be feeling after missing out on the World Cup. I have gone through that feeling when we lost the 2015 World Cup semifinal. I don't even know whether I am over it now. It's almost like you have taken a feel of a trophy but then it's taken away from you. So yes, it is tough to recover quickly from that knock."