Rumours around the internet yesterday suggested that Rohit Sharma was set to take control of the limited-overs team. BCCI has been quick to dismiss any such reports.
According to a report first published in the Times of India, Sharma would be given the leadership responsibilities for the ODI and T20I formats. The statement included that Virat Kohli wants to focus on his batting and relieve himself of the captaincy role.
These rumours lasted only for a few hours as BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was swift to respond. He said that as long as the side continues performing well, there is no need to change the captain.
This eliminates any chances of the Mumbai Indians skipper becoming the leader of the national side straight after the T20I World Cup.
Kohli has a brilliant captaincy record for India, as his win percentage in all formats is exemplary. Kohli has led India in 64 Test matches (56.92 win%), 95 ODIs (70.43 win%), 45 T20Is (65.11 win%).
The only thing that eludes his captaincy stint is a major ICC trophy. India hasn’t won a trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy in England.
Kohli has been one of the best batsman over the last decade. He is renowned for his ability to convert half-centuries into centuries, which has already rack up 70 tons. However, he hasn’t reached a triple-digit score in almost two years. This is one reason why fans want Kohli to focus on his batting.
Another reason that makes certain fans doubtful of Kohli’s captaincy ability is his lackluster record with Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB are yet to win their first IPL title. On the other hand, Sharma has captained the Indians to 5 IPL crowns in 8 seasons.
Virat’s position as the national side captain is safe as things stand. Shah’s statement has negated any chances of a change in captaincy in the recent future, and rightly so.
