Ever since Virat Kohli has started doing well as the Test captain, many feel the time has come for the Test skipper to replace Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the limited-overs format too. And the calls to hand Kohli the reigns in other formats too have only increased after the Delhi batsman led his team to a 4-0 win over England in the recently-concluded Test series.
The series win was India’s fifth in a row under Kohli and the team has now extended their winning run to 18 games. On the other hand, pressure is mounting on Dhoni, who has failed to impress in recent months. His team was thrashed 4-1 in Australia earlier this year before losing to the West Indies in the semi-final of the World T20 at home. It was followed by a T20 series loss against the West Indies and the way the team struggled to beat New Zealand at home in the ODI series, many have started doubting Dhoni’s ability. The team is set to play three ODIs and as many T20Is against England in January before the Champions Trophy in England, and Dhoni will have to be at his best to ease the pressure off him.
Meanwhile, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly feels Kohli will eventually lead the team in 50-over format, his track record in Tests will compel the selectors to think about the captain for the 2019 World Cup.
Speaking to Aaj Tak, he said:“While it is a justified question and I am sure Virat’s Test success will put pressure on the selectors, I think Virat will have to wait (for some time). He will become the captain in ODIs too one day and it’s just a matter of when. But the selectors will mull who they see as captain in the 2019 World Cup and then plan accordingly. I feel the (limited-overs) England series will be critical for Dhoni.”
On the other hand, another former captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels the selectors will persist with the World-Cup winning captain for the time being.
He said:“The England ODIs will be important. But if you ask me, I feel the selectors won’t go against Dhoni at this stage. Yes, Virat’s success in Tests will make him a strong candidate but the selectors will have to phase him in with full conviction keeping in mind Dhoni’s record. But we will see which way it goes before the Champions Trophy in June.
Meanwhile, Ganguly heaped praise on the Indian team after they thrashed England 4-0.
Speaking to India Today, he said:“There were good wickets and England got 400 in the first innings of three Tests and to beat them in two of those matches takes a lot of character.”
The series witnessed outstanding performances from several individuals but Ganguly picked Karun Nair’s triple century in Chennai as the standout moments from the series.
“Karun Nair’s triple hundred the standout moment for me. Also Kohli’s 235 in Mumbai on a pitch that was turning. Then there was Ashwin’s all-round brilliance and Jadeja’s spell today. Kohli would now believe he has another bowler to bank on when Ashwin does not fire,” he said.
The retired player also said the likes of Nair, Jayant Yadav and KL Rahul should be given more time before getting the status of a star.
“The Indian batsmen have shown remarkable character but these kids need a lot more time before you start talking about them as stars. They are talented but they need to be given a bit more time. You can call Virat Kohli a star because he has been around the world and score tons of runs. You can call MS Dhoni a star,” he concluded.