Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has said Virat Kohli can take on a role similar to legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar after stepping down from captaincy in the T20I format. 

Sehwag said that Sachin, who played under different captains – Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Mahendra Singh Dhoni – used to share his thoughts with the skipper as he was a senior member of the team. Sehwag said Kohli should also perform a similar role in the current setup. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced Rohit Sharma as captain of the Indian team for the upcoming three-match T20I home series against New Zealand, with KL Rahul named as his deputy. Kohli is among a number of high-profile players who have been rested for the series. 

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“Throughout his long and illustrious career, (Sachin) Tendulkar played under so many captains. Every time a new captain came in, he shared his thoughts with him, and then it was up to the skipper to implement it,” Sehwag said on a Cribuzz show. “Similarly, Kohli said something great when he said that he and Rohit are the leaders and as long as they are around the Indian team setup, they will support the youngsters and captain,” he added. 

Sehwag also highlighted the importance of grooming young players in the vice-captain role, so that their transition to captain becomes easier. 

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Sehwag said he had requested the team management to not name him as vice-captain in 2007, when Dhoni was made skipper, but his requests went unheard. 

“When Dhoni was named captain of the team and I was made the vice-captain, I had told the management and board that irrespective of me being the vice-captain, I would perform my responsibilities so it is better that you groom someone younger, so when Dhoni leaves, he can lead the team, not me.”

“However, my advice wasn’t taken seriously but now with Kohli giving such statements, it is a good sign for Indian cricket.”