As Virat Kohli has decided to step down from India's T20I captaincy after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman, former India cricketer Vinod Kambli has backed opener, Rohit Sharma, to lead the side after the showpiece even in the middle east.
According to Kambli, with Rohit leading the side, the Delhi-based cricketer should play freely in T20Is as he will be available for selection in the shortest format post the ICC mega event.
“I feel Rohit will take over as India's captain in T20I after the World Cup because he has led Mumbai Indians to win many times. Now that Virat is stepping down from captaincy, I feel Rohit might get a chance. Virat will now play to his full potential as there will be no pressure on him. I want Virat to play freely,” the former India cricketer told ANI.
With the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 being the last tournament where the ace batsman will be leading the Men in Blue, the 49-year-old is excited to see how the team performs in their campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai.
“Now everyone will see, Virat's talent in the T20I. I am looking forward to India, Pakistan clash in the World Cup. The pressure and eagerness to perform well in those matches is immense,” the left-hand batsman concluded.
As far as Virat Kohli is concerned, he made it clear in his announcement that the decision was taken after a long discussion with the Indian head coach Ravi Shastri and his current deputy in white-ball cricket Rohit Sharma.
“After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I've decided to step down as the T20 Captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October,” the right-hand batsman said in a statement.
(With ANI Inputs)
