Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar believes that it’s a myth that fast bowlers don’t make a good captain. The fast bowler has also backed Rohit Sharma to take the legacy of Indian cricket forward after Kohli decided to step down from Test captaincy.
Akhtar is currently playing in Legends League Cricket at Al Amerat, Oman. In an interview with Indian Express, he spoke at length about various topics.
“Rohit Sharma would be the right choice to be successor of Virat Kohli” – Shoaib Akhtar
When he was asked if Jasprit Bumrah could be considered to become the next India test captain, Akhar said that contrary to popular belief, bowlers have an attacking mindset and they would do an equally good job as captain if not better. Notable that Australia recently appointed Pat Cummins as their test captain as he returned as leading wicket-taker when Australia won the Ashes by 4-0.
“It is believed that batsmen are smarter than fast bowlers. However, it’s not the case. Both are good. Motivation is high in fast bowlers as they want to finish the match by taking wickets. Fast bowlers have an attacking mindset. I have always believed that batsmen have a defensive mindset.
“Pakistan and India started the practice of appointing fast bowlers as captains in the 1980s and 90s. Kapil Dev was a fast bowler too. The fast bowlers’ (effectiveness) has been taken away from cricket by putting restrictions. That’s why cricket is going down these days,” Shoaib Akhtar spoke to Indian Express.
Akhtar also said that Virat Kohli might reinvent himself as a batsman after stepping down from Test captaincy. He believes that he still has lots of cricket left in him. Akhtar also named Rohit Sharma to be the successor of Virat Kohli in Test cricket.
“Everyone knows what is happening to him and who is doing it. I do not need to say anything. He captained for six-seven years. I was not in favour of his captaincy. I just wanted him to keep scoring hundreds. Let him just focus on his batting. Let him just score runs now,” he said.
“I think Rohit Sharma would be the right choice for the time being. It’s good if he doesn’t succumb to this pressure,” he added.
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