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New Delhi: Virat Kohli will step down as captain of the Indian cricket team in limited overs cricket. BCCI sources have suggested that Rohit Sharma could lead India in ODIs, Twenty20 matches or at least Twenty20 matches.
The 32-year-old Kohli has led India in 95 ODIs. Of these, 65 matches were won and 27 were lost. The pass percentage is 70.43. India have played 45 Twenty20 matches under Kohli. India have won 27 and lost 14 matches.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Rohit Sharma is all set to replace Virat Kohli as India’s captain in white-ball cricket
- Virat Kohli has reportedly decided to step down from captaincy in limited-overs cricket
- Kohli wants to focus on his batting and share the leadership responsibilities with Rohit
Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to replace Virat Kohli as Team India’s captain in white-ball cricket (ODIs and T20Is) post the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli is currently India’s captain across formats having taken over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014 and becoming the limited-overs skipper in 2017.
Kohli has since been instrumental in helping India become a force to reckon with across formats and has led the team to some memorable victories. However, as per a report in the Times of India, Kohli has taken the decision to share the leadership responsibilities with Rohit to focus on his batting and being the best in the world with the willow.
As per the report, Kohli has had prolonged discussions with Rohit and the Indian team management over his decision to quit limited-overs captaincy and is expected to make the announcement himself in the coming months. As per BCCI sources, the current Indian captain wants to focus more on his batting.
“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,” TOI quoted sources as saying.
Kohli has often been under the scanner over his leadership credentials in the limited-overs format as India are yet to win a major ICC trophy under him. Since he took over from Dhoni as the white-ball captain in 2017, Kohli’s India reached the final of the Champions Trophy in 2017 and semi-final of ODI World Cup in 2019 but failed to go the distance.
With a T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup lined up in the next couple of years, Kohli feels it’s the right time to step aside and let Rohit take charge. The move is certain to create tremendous buzz on social media and BCCI is prepared to ensure a smooth transition as both Kohli and Rohit are on the same page.
“Captaincy in 3 formats affecting Virat’s batting. We realise 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,” sources were quoted as saying by TOI.
Rohit has led India on several occasions in the absence of Kohli in the past and also has two trophies to his name as captain of the Men in Blue. Rohit led India to an Asia Cup triumph in 2018 and a memorable win in the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka in the same year. His record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain is there for everyone to see.
Virat Kohli currently leads India in Test, ODI and Twenty20 formats. Earlier, some players had suggested that Rohit Sharma, who has captained the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, should lead India in the Twenty20 matches.
This is likely to become a reality after the Twenty20 World Cup, which starts in October. Kohli will step down as captain as part of his focus on batting. ‘Kohli himself will make the announcement in this regard. “Kohli says he needs to focus more on batting and regain his old form,” BCCI sources told national media.
