Virat Kohli could step down as White-ball skipper after T20 World Cup; Rohit Sharma to replace him

Virat Kohli is expected to step down as the ODI and T20I captain after the T20 World Cup ends in November, in order to focus on his batting and domination in Tests.

According to a report in the Times of India, Rohit Sharma is the most likely candidate to succeed Kohli as the white-ball skipper.

As per BCCI sources to TOI, Kohli wants to share the leadership responsibilities with Rohit and has had lengthy discussions with the latter and the team management over the last few months.

“Virat himself will make the announcement. He is of the view that he needs to concentrate on his batting and go back to becoming what he’s always been — the best batsman in the world,” sources told TOI.

We realise spin-masters will be at work, giving their own twists to these developments. That’s the reason BCCI is planning this well in advance. In the end, Virat and Rohit are on the same page,” the sources revealed.

It has been learnt that Kohli feels the need to dedicate more time to his batting with the T20 and ODI World Cups coming up in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Rohit has proven his credentials as a white-ball skipper whenever he has led the side in Kohli’s absence and he has also won five IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians. He is also in the form of his life now with runs flowing from his bat across all formats.

“If he had to ever take over as white-ball captain, that time is now. And it’s going to be a win-win for the Indian team because the two senior cricketers are so well in tune with each other,” said a source.

However, Rohit, who is already 34 years old, will have to maintain top level fitness just like Kohli. The 32-year-old has given immense importance to his own and his teammates’ fitness over the years. He will expect Rohit to do the same.