Inspired by his leadership during the ODI World Cup, former captain Sourav Ganguly supported Rohit Sharma on Friday, stating that he ought to lead India through the T20 World Cup in June of the following year at the very least. Virat Kohli and Rohit, who guided India to the ODI World Cup final at home, have taken a “break” for the forthcoming white-ball leg of the South Africa series, which starts on December 10. Talking to reporters, Ganguly said the duo deserved this rest so that they come back “fresh” for the hectic calendar ahead. “Once Rohit is back playing all formats, he should be the captain of India, because he has done so well in the World Cup,” said the former BCCI president, who was named the Dabur Chyawanprash’s brand ambassador for East India, during a program in Kolkata. “You saw in the World Cup how well they played. They are absolutely integral and an important part of Indian cricket.” The BCCI was unsure whether Rohit and Kohli should be part of India’s plans for the T20 global showcase in six months. It’s interesting to note that neither player has played a Twenty20 international since the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup against England. Hardik Pandya was named India’s T20 captain following the 2022 T20 World Cup, but Suryakumar Yadav is now captaining the team in the current five-T20 series against Australia due to Pandya’s injury sustained during the ODI World Cup. “World Cups are different than a bilateral series because the pressures are different. They have been exceptional this World Cup and hopefully six-seven months down the line in the West Indies they will be again at their best,” Ganguly said. “He’s (Rohit) a leader. I expect and I presume that he will continue as captain till the T20 World Cup in 2024.” Beginning with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, the duo will return for the two-Test series in South Africa. “Very rightfully, they have taken a break because there is so much cricket all the time. I cannot imagine that you played a World Cup final on the 19th and in three days’ time you’re playing a T20I series against the same team,” Ganguly said. “It is not easy to pick yourselves up, especially with the pressures and demands of the World Cup. I’m happy that they have got a break. “They will come back fresh for Tests — there’re five Tests against England — there’s IPL, and then the T20 World Cup, so it’s non-stop cricket. Hopefully they’ll come back fresh and keep performing.” Though the precise length of his second term is unknown, the BCCI has also extended the contract of India head coach Rahul Dravid at least until the T20 World Cup. Dravid took over as head coach during Ganguly’s BCCI tenure, and the former India left-hander was pleased with his former teammate’s contract extension. “I’m not surprised that they have shown faith in Dravid. When I was president of the Board, we convinced him to do this job. And I’m so happy to see yesterday that his tenure has been extended. “It was always the case, depending on whether he wanted it or not. I wish him luck for another World Cup in June. He was very close this time. “They may not have won it, but they probably were the best team in the competition with the way they played. So he’s got another seven months for a World Cup in the West Indies. Hopefully, at that time, he will not be runners-up, but a champion,” he said. Asked about India’s title drought at an ICC global showpiece, Ganguly said: “Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day.” “As a captain, I’ve qualified for three finals, and lost twice — 2003 World Cup and 2001 Champions Trophy. So I don’t have the right to say how to win finals. I managed just one win that too as joint winners with Sri Lanka (2002 Champions Trophy),” he said. “At least, they are making the final and by dominating the tournament. Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day, their luck will change. There is no rocket science. “At Australia 47/3, India had a great chance, one wicket and it would have been different. But it’s past now.” Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, both Test specialists, were left out of the squad for the two Tests against South Africa. “At some point of time you have to play new talents. It happens, there is enormous talent in India and the team has to progress. Pujara and Rahane had enormous success for India, sport doesn’t remain with you forever,” Ganguly said. “You cannot be there forever, it will happen to everyone. I must thank them what they have done for Indian cricket and selectors want fresh faces, so that’s the way it is.” (With PTI inputs)