Rohit Sharma likely to take over limited overs captaincy from Virat Kohli, says reports

Rohit Sharma likely to take over limited overs captaincy from Virat Kohli, says reports after talks of possible rift between the duo

Post Team India’s semi-final exit from the 2019 Cricket World Cup, there have been lots of talks about the areas where the team’s think tank failed miserably. Most of them has to do with the team’s middle order, especially the No.4 batting slot which couldn’t be addressed even during the all-important World Cup.

There are even talks that despite the Indian coaching staff set to be granted a 45-day extension, batting coach Sanjay Bangar is likely to be axed from the set-up for his inability to deal with the middle order batting woes

Moreover, there were also reports which indicated a possible rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with respect to team selection which (as per reports) are controlled in a negative manner by Kohli.

Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to consider and discuss the idea of split captaincy across the two formats.

Rohit could lead in the shorter format, Kohli in Tests

Speaking to IANS, a board functionary said that good teams start preparations immediately after one campaign ends and the biggest result of that is England winning the World Cup on Sunday. So, keeping an eye on the next campaign, India too could look at the option of having Rohit lead the team in the shorter format while Kohli continues in Tests.

“This would be the right time for Rohit to take over the mantle of the captaincy in the 50-over format. There has been immense support to the present captain and the management and it is time to plan ahead for the next World Cup and for that the existing ideas and plans need a fresh look. We all know some areas need a re-look. Rohit would be the right man for the job,” the BCCI functionary said.

It is worth mentioning that a review involving Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri, chief selector M.S.K. Prasad and the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai is set to take place. The review meeting will assess the performance of the team as will also take into consideration other key areas of discussions, including the reports of possible rift between the captain and the vice-captain of the limited-overs team.

“You are aware that Vinod Rai (CoA chief) has already mentioned that a review meeting will take place. This will have to be ascertained when the review takes place and it is important to get to the bottom of these rumours,” the functionary added.