Rohit to replace Kohli as India’s white-ball captain post T20 WC: Report

Indian opener and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, reportedly, could replace Virat Kohli as the T20 skipper after the 2021 World Cup. The Royal Challengers Bangalore captain currently leads India in all three formats. 

The Indian men’s national team might see split captaincy in a few months. Once Rohit Sharma takes over as T20 captain, India, like Australia, England and the West Indies, would have two skippers, leading in different formats. According to reports, Kohli has had discussions with Sharma and the team management for a possible change of guard.

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Quoting a BCCI source, Times of India reported that “Kohli 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.”

While, the 32-year-old is the only batsman in the current lot to average more than 50 in all formats, he has not been able to deliver an ICC trophy as a captain. India have come as close as the finals in the 2017 Champions Trophy and World Test Championship but a title has remained elusive. Kohli has not been able to win an IPL title with Royal Challengers Bangalore too. 

The Indian team will now contest in the T20 World Cup that starts in October. 

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“Virat is also the first to realise 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 whiteball 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 another five to six years at least,” the report continued.

Kohli hasn’t hit an international century in almost three years. His last ton was against Bangladesh in a Test match in November 2019.

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“The BCCI is deeply concerned about Virat Kohli’s captaincy, especially in the ICC tournaments because of his failure as a captain in the ICC events. In a meeting held by the BCCI office-bearers in July after the WTC Final, it emerged that a lot of BCCI officials are unsatisfied with Virat’s captaincy,” MensXP reported.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians on his resume. He has led India to 15 wins in 19 matches as captain.