“Virat Kohli would want to show he’s still relevant to India in any capacity”: Jonty Rhodes

Virat Kohli relinquished India's T20I and Test captaincy, while was replaced as ODI captain.

Virat Kohli | GETTY

Team India hasn’t started their 2022 on a high and is yet to register their first win of the year. The team so far played 2 Tests and 3 ODIs, where they ended up on the losing side against South Africa.

Also, Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell by announcing his decision to step down as the captain of the India Test team. He had already quit as T20I captain, while BCCI had sacked him as ODI captain, naming Rohit Sharma the new skipper of white-ball teams.

BCCI is yet to announce Kohli’s successor in the longer format of the game, experts predict this as a good move for Kohli as a batter.

Former South Africa cricketer, Jonty Rhodes also voiced a similar opinion, stating he would be nervous” to face Kohli, who no longer carries the leadership duties.

Also Read: There are “four-five players” who can lead the way forward for Team India in Test cricket- Brett Lee

“I'd be a little bit nervous of a Kohli who doesn't have the responsibility of leadership. Not that it cost him anything. I think he scored incredible runs for India. But he is such a passionate guy that he would want to go out there and score heavily just to show that he is still relevant to India in any capacity,” said Rhodes while addressing a virtual media meet organized by Sony Sports Network. 

Rhodes, who is currently a part of the World Giants team in the Legends Cricket League T20 tournament in Oman, also applauded the former Indian skipper for his endless achievements in the game.

“With regards to him stepping down (as Test captain), it's always a personal decision. He's obviously not retired. Many captains leave the job and just walk away but Kohli's still around. He is very passionate. We know how he plays the game. He is always 100 percent committed. His work ethic is just as strong. He obviously thinks he has a role to play for India still, just not as a captain. You have to respect someone like him for what he has done,” he added. 

 
 

By Khushi Raghuwanshi - 27 Jan, 2022

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