Former Indian captain and commentator Sunil Gavaskar is against appointing Rohit Sharma as new Test captain after Virat Kohli quit the captaincy after India's 2-1 series loss to South Africa.
He also explained the reason behind his statement, saying Rohit’s fitness is the major reason behind him not seeing him as a candidate to replace Kohli as Team India’s Test captain, as the team needs a player who remains fit and can be available for all the matches.
Gavaskar said on Sports Tak: “The problem with Rohit is that he has fitness issues. So you need a player who remains fit and is available for all matches. If you remember, Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews had the same issue with the hamstring. And with that, when you try to run fast or take a quick single, the injury resurfaces.”
He further explained, “If that is to happen, you may be forced to name someone else captain. So it's better to pick a player who instead has external injuries. But with Rohit, this cycle of picking up regular injuries is why I am doubtful about him. This is why I feel that only a player who features in all formats should be made captain.”
Meanwhile, Kohli had already made it clear that the decision was his alone, and even though BCCI stated they wanted him to continue for 2-3 years more, some people were speculating that the Indian board had a role in limiting the former skipper’s say in matters, leading to his resignation.
However, Gavaskar said those allegations are “impossible to believe”.
He added, “No board would want that its captain's hands should be tied. Sourav Ganguly, the president was a captain himself, so he wouldn't do anything that would trouble the Indian skipper. Sure, at times there might be a few disagreements but I cannot even imagine something like that happening in Indian cricket.”
Hailing Kohli's legacy, the legendary cricketer said that the latter’s contribution is huge in shaping up India's Test team and forming a fast-bowling lineup for the ages which is now called as world-beaters.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “Kohli has left a terrific impact as Test captain since taking over. He had a good team. And when you have a good team, the results will be good. Look at Clive Lloyd's West Indies. They had four fast bowlers and brilliant batsmen. When you have a good team, winning matches become easier. Look at Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and the kind of attacks they had. No one talks about how shrewd they were.”
