Ajinkya Rahane’s success as captain in the Boxing Day Test has triggered a captaincy debate. Deep Dasgupta, however, feels people only have a problem with regular skipper Virat Kohli’s attitude.

Ajinkya Rahane maintained his 100% record as the skipper of the Indian Test team as he led his side to an 8-wicket win over Australia in the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday.

Ajinkya Rahane’s Success Fueled Debate But Deep Dasgupta Feels It’s Just 1 Match

Ajinkya Rahane’s success as skipper saw India level 1-1 in the 4-match series but also made many experts pondering his future as the long-term captain. Ajinkya Rahane’s win in all three of his 3 Test matches as the captain of the Indian team in the longest format of game, sparked debate if he will be given the role on a permanent basis.

Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta, however, feels, such questions arises only because some people have a problem with Virat Kohli’s expressive nature. India’s primary skipper Virat Kohli has had to deal with questions raised over his captaincy credentials in limited-overs cricket too, with many opining that Rohit Sharma can lead the team in the shortest format.

Deep Dasgupta. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Undoubtedly Ajinkya Rahane did a commendable job in Melbourne, leading the Indian team to one of its finest victories in Test cricket overseas, but Deep Dasgupta says the topic of being handed full-time captaincy is premature.

“I am taking nothing away from him (Rahane) but it’s just one Test match. Other leaders in the team like R Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah also stepped up. Let’s hold on to our horses as Virat Kohli hasn’t done anything wrong either. It seems like people have a problem with the way he expresses himself but that’s the way he is,” Dasgupta told India Today.

Deep Dasgupta said people have a problem with Virat Kohli as skipper as he is expressive, unlike Ajinkya Rahane who maintains a calm presence as he feels happy with so many leaders stepping up.

Deep Dasgupta: Under Virat Kohli India Won In Australia In 2018-19 And Was Top Ranked Test Team

Deep Dasgupta further highlighted India’s recent triumphs under Virat Kohli’s leadership in T20Is and in Tests where he is most successful skipper leading to 33 Test wins. He also asserted that barring the dramatic session in Adelaide, the Indian team has been doing reasonably well against Australia throughout the series.

“Kohli is the same captain under whom the Indian team won in Australia back in 2018-19. India was the No. 1 Test side for a very long time under his leadership. It’s good for Indian cricket that they have so many leaders, but it’s just one good win doesn’t. Even in Adelaide, the Indian team played well and was on top of Australia except that one session where the team went through a batting debacle.”

Virat Kohli. Image Credit: Twitter.

“In terms of batting, a captain can’t do much. I have seen Ajinkya leading the Mumbai side and he is a good captain who has his own style. I am just happy that India has so many leaders. Any team with more leaders is only going to benefit,” Dasgupta concluded.

After the historic MCG triumph, Ajinkya Rahane would be determined to continue his 100% run as the skipper of India’s Test team in the remainder of the series with 2 matches remaining. He had previously led India to 2 Test wins against Australia and Afghanistan.