India Tour of Australia : “His best chance to prove himself as captain,” Shoaib Akhtar backs Rohit Sharma for Test captaincy in Kohli’s absence

India Tour of Australia : “His best chance to prove himself as captain,” Shoaib Akhtar backs Rohit Sharma for Test captaincy in Kohli’s absence

Virat Kohli, Shoaib Akhtar and Rohit Sharma (L-R)

Virat Kohli, Shoaib Akhtar and Rohit Sharma (L-R)
Virat Kohli, Shoaib Akhtar and Rohit Sharma (L-R)

India skipper Virat Kohli‘s paternal leave has become the talk of the town as the most anticipated Test series against Australia draws closer. Kohli is set to fly back after the first Test in Adelaide for the birth of his first child. Former Pakistan quick Shoaib Akhtar suggests that limited over vice-captain Rohit Sharma should take over the team’s reigns for the Test series against Australia in Kohli’s absence.

Although vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane remains an ideal successor to Kohli following the Adelaide Test, Akhtar feels the team management should give Rohit a go in the longer format. The Mumbai batter has always led from the front in the absence of Team India’s charismatic leader Kohli. Rohit’s Test career was rejuvenated last year with his promotion up the order during India’s home season.

He has the talent and ability to lead

Rohit Sharma

Akhtar hails Kohli’s absence the perfect opportunity for Rohit to prove his mettle as a leader. The Rawalpindi express feels that Rohit has the ability to lead the side. And if he succeeds in Australia, then India should consider split captaincy.

“Australia will be his best chance to prove himself as captain. He should grab it with both hands. He has the talent and ability to lead the team. It will be a tough test for India and I would look for these kind of situations as a player. The whole world would be looking at Rohit as captain and batsman. If he does well for himself and the team, then there should be a debate about split captaincy,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Akhtar, who is known for his unfiltered cricket analysis, adds that Kohli must consider handing over the captaincy in a format if he is fatigued with the jam-packed calendar of Team India. The Indian skipper has been playing non-stop cricket across all formats since 2010. And it is only normal if he opts to loosen his burden a bit. Moreover, Rohit is more than capable to take up the helm and has proved his ability over time in the IPL.

“If he is feeling fatigued, then he should think about giving the leadership role to Rohit in one of the formats (preferably T20s). I could see the boredom on his face during the IPL, may be it was because of the bio-bubble situation, he seemed a bit stressed out. It all depends on how he feels. Rohit has been ready for captaincy for a while,” Akhtar added.

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