Rohit Sharma’s formal appointment as India’s next T20I skipper could be only a few days away. With Virat Kohli set to step down after the T20 World Cup 2021, Rohit Sharma is the odds-on favourite to take up the job.
With Virat Kohli’s reign as the skipper of Team India’s T20I skipper coming to an end after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to name his successor in the coming days. Rohit Sharma is the frontrunner to take up the captaincy baton from Virat Kohli, having proved his credentials as a leader time and again, be it in the Indian Premier League or in the national team on occasions.
Rohit Sharma Likely To Be Rested For Next T20I Series Against New Zealand
A meeting has been scheduled where the Chetan Sharma-led selection panel will pick the new T20 skipper for the Indian team. In all likeliness, current vice-captain Rohit Sharma will be elevated to the job. However, Rohit Sharma is likely to be rested from India’s forthcoming bilateral limited-overs assignment against New Zealand, which means the selectors will need to put a temporary captain for the series too.
Rahul Dravid, who is in line to become India’s next head coach, is also expected to be consulted on the matter of India’s next T20I skipper. Rahul Dravid has already applied for the post, but the interview process and other procedures are yet to be completed. It is understood that Rahul Dravid will succeed Ravi Shastri at the job, although his appointment hasn’t become formal.
Rohit Sharma May Also Be Appointed ODI Skipper
The selection committee will also pick players for the New Zealand series. As per a report, those selected will be asked to report by November 10 and undergo a 5-day quarantine before the practice sessions begin. KL Rahul could don the captain’s hat as keeping in mind the players’ fatigue due to the bio- bubble life. Some senior players will be rested for the T20I series against New Zealand.
The New Zealand tour of India begins on November 17 in Jaipur, where the first T20I will be played, followed by the 2nd T20I on November 19 (Ranchi) and the third on November 21 (Kolkata). A 2-match Test series will also be played, with the opener being held from November 25-29 (Kanpur) and December 3-7 (Mumbai).
The manner of Team India’s defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2021 has raised many questions. As per a report, Rohit Sharma could also be seen taking the captaincy in the 50-over format if the team does well under his leadership in the next 2021 T20I and 2023 ODI World Cup. To have the same captain leading the team in both white-ball formats might be a more conducive option for the team management. For now, however, only the T20I captaincy announcement will be made.
Rohit Sharma has also inspired the team in Virat Kohli’s absence to memorable triumphs in Asia Cup and Nidahas Trophy, besides leading Mumbai Indians to an unprecedented five IPL titles. Rohit Sharma, 34, has led India 10 times in ODIs and led them to victories on eight occasions. In T20Is, he has captained them 19 times, of which they have won 15 and lost four.
One of India’s most successful captains, Virat Kohli, led India in 95 ODIs, and with 65 wins and 27 defeats. In 47 T20Is so far, where he has been the captain, India has won 29 times while losing 16 times.