New Delhi: With cricket set to return to the Olympic Games after more than a century, former India pacer S Sreesanth has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India selectors to consider bringing Virat Kohli out of T20I retirement for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Cricket will feature in the 2028 Summer Olympics, marking its return to the global sporting stage for the first time since 1900. The format is expected to include six teams each in men’s and women’s categories, making it a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for cricketing nations.
Cricket’s Olympic return boosts India’s gold hopes
The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is being viewed as a significant opportunity for India, one of the sport’s dominant forces globally. With multiple ICC titles across formats, India is expected to enter the Los Angeles Games as one of the favourites for the gold medal.
The sport is among five new additions approved for LA 2028, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. Its return has sparked excitement among players, administrators, and fans alike.
Given India’s depth of talent and strong domestic structure, expectations are already building around team selection and composition for the marquee event.
Sreesanth backs Kohli’s inclusion
Sreesanth, who was part of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squads, believes that Kohli’s experience and fitness make him an ideal candidate for the Olympic squad, despite his retirement from T20 Internationals.
Kohli stepped away from T20Is after India’s triumph in the 2024 World Cup, ending a glittering career in the format as one of its most successful batters.
However, Sreesanth has appealed to selectors to reconsider his inclusion, emphasising the value of experience in a high-pressure tournament like the Olympics.
He suggested that Kohli’s presence could provide stability and leadership to a relatively young squad, especially in a short-format competition where composure and consistency are crucial.
Youth and experience: Sooryavanshi in focus
Alongside Kohli, Sreesanth highlighted the potential of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, proposing a combination of youth and experience as the ideal strategy for India.
Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. The 15-year-old had a breakthrough season in the Indian Premier League 2026, where he scored 776 runs to finish as the tournament’s leading run-getter.
His performances not only earned him widespread recognition but also led to his maiden call-up to the Indian national team. His aggressive batting style and ability to handle pressure have made him a strong contender for future international assignments.
Sreesanth believes that pairing a young player like Sooryavanshi with a seasoned campaigner like Kohli could create a balanced and formidable unit for the Olympics.
Selection challenges for BCCI
The suggestion, however, presents a unique challenge for the BCCI selectors. Recalling a retired player for a one-off global event would require careful consideration, especially in terms of team dynamics, fitness, and long-term planning.
Selectors would also need to evaluate the availability of players, given the packed international calendar and the importance of workload management. Additionally, the final format and qualification criteria for Olympic cricket could influence selection strategies.
Another factor is the emergence of new talent in India’s T20 setup, which may lead selectors to prioritise younger players who are actively involved in the format.
A unique opportunity for Indian cricket
The Olympics represent a different kind of challenge compared to ICC tournaments, with a shorter duration and higher stakes in each match. The limited number of participating teams means that every game could be decisive.
For India, winning an Olympic gold in cricket would be a historic achievement, adding to the country’s sporting legacy beyond traditional cricket tournaments.
The idea of combining Kohli’s experience with Sooryavanshi’s youthful energy reflects a broader vision of blending stability with innovation—an approach that could prove effective in a high-intensity competition.
Conclusion
As preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begin to take shape, discussions around team selection are likely to intensify. Sreesanth’s suggestion to include Virat Kohli alongside emerging talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi highlights the importance of striking the right balance between experience and youth.
While the final decision rests with the BCCI, the prospect of Kohli returning for one last global assignment adds an intriguing dimension to India’s Olympic ambitions. If executed well, such a combination could significantly enhance India’s chances of securing a historic gold medal in cricket’s Olympic comeback.