BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has confirmed that Virat Kohli will remain the Indian captain in all three international formats of the game. He also rubbished the reports in media of Rohit Sharma taking over from Kohli as captain in T20Is and ODIs, as Kohli wanted to focus on his batting.
BCCI sources reportedly told Times of India that Virat Kohli has taken a call on his future as India captain in all three formats and decided to share the leadership roles with Rohit Sharma. Apparently, the sources also said that Kohli had a long talk with Rohit and the Indian team management over the last few months.
“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,” sources said.
Kohli feels his batting, across formats, needs more time and greater impetus as Team India looks at two World Cups – T20 and ODI – between 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Therefore, the sources said that Virat is keen on Rohit Sharma taking on the captaincy role in the limited-overs format, while he continues to lead India in Tests, to achieve his aim of making India the best and most dominant red-ball team, and to also focus on his batting.
However, Arun Dhumal rubbished such reports and said, “This is all rubbish. Nothing (as) such is happening. This is all what you guys (media) are talking about. BCCI has not met or discussed anything on this issue (split captaincy). Virat will remain as the captain (of all formats).”
Sources had said the BCCI top brass has been discussing the issue since India's loss to New Zealand in the World Test Championship final in England, where they were reportedly unhappy with the Indian skipper's team selection. Kohli had played two spinners in seamer-friendly and overcast conditions during the WTC final.
But Dhumal said, "no such meeting took place."
(IANS inputs)
