Virat Kohli‘s decision to step down as India’s T20I captain after the ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates has led to speculation as to who will become the next captain. Weighing in on the issue, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said that India opener KL Rahul can be looked at if the management is looking for a new captain.

“It’s a good thing that the BCCI is looking ahead. It’s important to think ahead,” said Gavaskar on Sports Tak.

Also Read | We have a clear roadmap for India: Jay Shah after Kohli’s decision to step down

“If India are looking to groom a new captain, then KL Rahul can be looked at. He has performed well. Even now in England, his batting was very good. He has been performing well in IPL and 50-overs cricket as well at the international stage. He can be made vice-captain,” the former India captain said.

“He has shown very impressive leadership qualities in the IPL. He hasn’t let the burden of captaincy affect his batting. His name can be taken into consideration,” added Gavaskar.

Also Read | How does Rohit Sharma fare as T20 captain against Virat Kohli?

In another speculation, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, 34, is being considered as a frontrunner for leading the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game.

KL Rahul, the 29-year-old batsman from Bangalore, made his international debut against Australia in 2014 on Boxing Day Test. Till now, he has played 40 Tests, 38 ODIs and 48 T20Is for India.

Also Read | Virat Kohli to step down as T20I captain: Three takeaways from his announcement

The flamboyant batsman also leads the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Before his move to the Punjab-based franchise, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all three formats and captaining regularly for last five to six years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in Test and ODI cricket,” Kohli said in a statement.

Also Read | Virat Kohli’s report card as India’s T20 captain

“I have given my everything to the Team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 captain and will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward,” he further added.