Suresh Raina Feels Virat Kohli Should Be Given A Bit More Time As Skipper

Jul 12, 2021 at 1:07 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Suresh Raina Feels Virat Kohli Should Be Given A Bit More Time As Skipper

Suresh Raina has provided his take on Virat Kohli and his captaincy, believing that the skipper needs to be given a bit more time. Ever since India lost the World Test Championship final, there has been plenty of debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s future as India captain.

Virat Kohli, Image Source : AP IMAGE
Virat Kohli, Image Source: AP IMAGE

Suresh Raina: Virat Kohli’s Record Proves That He Has Achieved A Lot Both As Batsman And Captain

Some feel that Virat Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain with 36 wins, should step down and allow the concept of split captaincy to embrace Indian cricket, while most continue to back the Indian captain to continue as its leader across all three formats given the contribution he has made to the team since his appointment.

File image of Suresh Raina.(AP)
File image of Suresh Raina. (AP)

Under Virat Kohli, India has come close thrice to lift an ICC Trophy – the Champions Trophy in 2017, the 2019 World Cup, and most recently, the WTC final – but have stumbled at the final hurdle.

With three consecutive World Cups(2021 and 2022 T20I World Cups and 2023 ODI World Cup) lined up, Suresh Raina is confident that Virat Kohli and India will get their hands on at least one ICC trophy in the near future.

“I think he has been the No. 1 captain. His record proves that he has achieved a lot. I think he is the No. 1 batsman in the world. You’re talking about an ICC trophy but he hasn’t even won an IPL yet. I feel that he needs to be given some time.

“There are 2-3 World Cups taking place one after the other – two T20 World Cups and then the 50-over World Cup. It’s not easy to reach the final – sometimes you miss out on a few things,” Suresh Raina told News24 Sports.

Suresh Raina pointed out that India lost the WTC final, not due to conditions but because the much-hyped batsmen could not perform up to expectations. Despite two entire days (1st and 4th days) getting washed out due to rain, the match ended up producing a winner on the reserve 6th day.

Needing to bat out four sessions, India was bowled out for 170 in their second innings as New Zealand chased down 139 to be crowned the inaugural World Test Champions. Weighing in on the same, Suresh Raina feels the senior batsmen needed to have shown a little more responsibility.

“The WTC final was one such example. People said it was because of the conditions but I feel there was something lacking in batting. The bigger batsmen will have to stitch partnerships and take responsibilities,” he added.

Virat Kohli, who was handed the reins for the final Test match against Australia on the 2014-15 tour, has led India in 61 Tests which is the most by an Indian skipper so far. Under Virat Kohli, India has won the most- 36 Test matches.

Suresh Raina: In The Next 12 To 16 Months, An ICC Trophy Awaits India

Following India’s eight-wicket defeat, fans called the Indian team chokers in social media and their performance in ICC tournaments. Responding to it, Suresh Raina defended India and predicted the team to bring home an ICC title within the next year and a half.

“See, we are not chokers, because we already have the 1983 World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup the then 50-over World Cup in 2011. We need to understand that players are training hard. With three World Cups approaching, I don’t think anyone will call them chokers.

“We need to give them a little more time. They are doing well and Virat has the capability to change the game. We need to respect the new style of this team. But I feel that in the next 12 to 16 months, an ICC trophy is going to come to India,” Raina explained.

Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni (Photo:AFP)
Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni (Photo: AFP)

While Virar Kohli’s predecessor MS Dhoni won 27 Test matches as captain and lost 18 in his 60 games in charge, Virat Kohli is also India’s most successful Test captain with 36 wins and 14 losses. MS Dhoni has led India in 332 international matches and India won 178 of those.

While India failed to win the T20 World Cups in 2014 and 2016 and the 2015 ODI World Cup under MS Dhoni, the talismanic captain had led the team to three ICC titles before that(2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy).

Related Article
Medical Complication The Reason Behind Virat Kohli’s Extended Break, Claims Journalist
Medical Complication The Reason Behind Virat Kohli’s Extended Break, Claims Journalist

Feb 12, 2024, 3:05 PM


While MS Dhoni Was My Captain, My Eye Was On Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri
While MS Dhoni Was My Captain, My Eye Was On Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri

Feb 10, 2024, 3:34 PM


Not Available For Last Three Tests As Well: Virat Kohli Tells Selectors
Not Available For Last Three Tests As Well: Virat Kohli Tells Selectors

Feb 10, 2024, 9:52 AM


Virat Kohli To Miss Third Test, In Contention To Return For Last Two Tests Against England
Virat Kohli To Miss Third Test, In Contention To Return For Last Two Tests Against England

Feb 9, 2024, 2:10 PM


IND vs ENG 2024: Virat Kohli Set To Miss Entire Series Against England: Report
IND vs ENG 2024: Virat Kohli Set To Miss Entire Series Against England: Report

Feb 8, 2024, 9:19 AM


IND vs ENG: Missing The Battle Between Virat Kohli And James Anderson, I’m Looking Forward To It – Nasser Hussain
IND vs ENG: Missing The Battle Between Virat Kohli And James Anderson, I’m Looking Forward To It – Nasser Hussain

Feb 7, 2024, 6:35 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner