According to a report from “TOI”, Virat Kohli will be stepping down as white-ball captain of team India after the T20 World Cup.
Team India will be gearing for the change in the upcoming time. Virat Kohli, who is currently appointed as captain across all formats, will likely be stepping down as the ODI and T20 captaincy after the upcoming T20 World Cup in October-November, paving the way for Rohit Sharma to take the responsibility.
He currently leading the Indian side as the most successful captain ever. Kohli has had discussions with the team management and Rohit Sharma over sharing the captain’s responsibility.
“Virat himself will make the announcement. He is of the view that he needs to concentrate on his batting and go back to becoming what he’s always been – The best batsman in the world,” sources said.
It is certainly seen by the recent performance changes from the current skipper that he needs to concentrate more on his batting rather than his captaincy. However, he has grown tremendously quickly and effectively as a captain. The proof can be gathered around just by looking at the last series in England, the two Tests we won. It was incredible. Rohit Sharma also had a huge role in those victories as well.
“We realize spin-masters will be at work, giving their own twists to these developments. That’s the reason BCCI is planning this well in advance. In the end, Virat and Rohit are on the same page.” the sources revealed.
TOI had the first reported about Kohli and Sharma’s growing camaraderie and renewed friendship in March this year and how the long quarantines and isolation windows had brought the two ‘alpha’ in the dressing room close than ever.
Kohli feels his batting, across formats, needs more time and a greater purpose as Team India looks at two World Cups – T20 and ODI – between 2022 and 2023 respectively.
“It will wrap up a historic Test cycle from an Indian perspective. Virat is also the first to realize that his overall responsibilities as captain across formats are taking a toll on his batting. He needs that space and freshness because he has a lot more to offer. If Rohit takes over as white-ball captain, Virat can continue leading India’s red-ball aspirations and work on his T20 and One-day batting. He’s just 32 and given his fitness, he will easily play top cricket for another five to six years at least,” say sources.
Rohit Sharma‘s white-ball record is also incredible. With leading the side to victories in around 15 T20’s from the 19 he started as captain. While his IPL record is nothing sort of extraordinary. From the 123 matches he has captained, he has managed to give his team victory in almost 74 matches while losing in just 49.
“If he had to ever take over as white-ball captain, that time is now. And it’s going to be a win-win for the Indian team because the two senior cricketers are so well in tune with each other,” said a source.
“MS has come as a mentor because his mere presence in the dugout will help team strategize better. When you have such resources at your disposal, why not use them at the opportune moment,” said BCCI Sources.
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