Make KL Rahul India's T20I vice-captain, groom him as next skipper: Sunil Gavaskar

KL Rahul captains Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

By - 17 Sep, 2021

Virat Kohli is all set to step down from India’s T20I captaincy post-T20 World Cup 2021 to be held from 17 October to 14 November in the UAE and Oman. It is expected that current vice-captain Rohit Sharma will take over the leadership duties though there are no official reports yet. 

Former India captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has asked the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to appoint KL Rahul as the T20I vice-captain and groom him to lead the team in the future. 

“It's a good thing that the BCCI is looking ahead. It's important to think ahead. If India is 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 on the international stage. He can be made vice-captain,” said Sunil Gavaskar on Sports Tak.

Read also: Irfan Pathan surprised by timing of Virat Kohli's announcement to quit India's T20I captaincy

The former captain lauded Rahul for his style of captaincy for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

“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,” said Gavaskar.

Head Coach Ravi Shastri and the supporting staff’s tenure will end after the 2021 T20 World Cup as well. As per current reports, the support staff will not seek an extension. 

"There is a CAC (Cricket Advisory Committee) that will make the decision. If you want to think about the new coach, then you can’t keep talking to the captain. Yes, there needs to be an understanding between the captain and the coach. But you can’t ask a student who his principal or professor can be,” said Gavaskar

India will take on New Zealand in a three-match T20I series at home in November in its first assignment after the T20 World Cup. 

By - 17 Sep, 2021

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