Not Ajinkya Rahane But Rohit Sharma Should Captain Test Team In Virat Kohli’s Absence, Feels Irfan Pathan 1
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Image Credit: Getty Images.

As Virat Kohli has taken paternity leave for the last three Test matches against Australia, Irfan Pathan has suggested Rohit Sharma should lead the Test team even though Ajinkya Rahane is the deputy of Kohli in the longest format.

Virat Kohli will be available for the limited-overs series, comprising of three ODI matches and as many T20I, but leave for India after playing the first Test in the four-match Test series. He is expecting the birth of his first child in early January while the Test series will end on January 8. So, he has taken the decision to be with his wife Anushka Sharma.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli. Image Credits: BCCI

Although Pathan said that Virat Kohli’s decision should be respected, he admitted that the skipper’s absence would surely hurt the team.

“Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important,” Pathan was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI).

Pathan didn’t mince any words in saying that Virat Kohli’s big shoes are hard to fill because he has been a massive contributor for years.

“On the field, it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions,” he stated.

Nothing against Rahane but Rohit Sharma has to captain: Irfan Pathan

Rohit Sharma,
Rohit Sharma. Image Credit: Getty Images.

In Virat’s absence, Rahane is likely to given the captain’s duty in the Test format but Irfan is not in favour of this decision. He believes that Rohit Sharma will be best suited for this job. The former all-rounder also added that the hitman would play a crucial role with the bat as well.

“Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience. His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury,” Pathan added. 

Initially, Rohit Sharma was not included in the upcoming Australia tour because he had sustained injury. But after several assessments of his injury, his name is included in the Test team. Meanwhile, Team India will leave for Australia soon after the IPL 2020 final.