Kohli should captain in big matches like WTC final in Rohit’s absence: Shastri
Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Virat Kohli should be handed over the captaincy in big matches like the World Test Championship final if captain Rohit Sharma is not available for any reason. Shastri further said that the Indian team management should have asked Kohli to captain the team in the postponed last Test of the tour of England last year as Rohit was not available for that match. Shastri told ESPN Cricinfo, “For such a big match, I would like Rohit to be fit because he is the captain. But if he is unable to play due to any reason, then the Indian team should think in that direction.
He was asked whether Kohli should captain the team if Rohit is not playing. Shastri said that the same should have been done for the fifth Test against England. He said, “When Rohit was injured, I felt that Virat would be the captain.” He said, “If I was the coach, I would have suggested the same. I am sure Rahul (Dravid) would have done the same. I haven’t talked to him. Under Virat’s captaincy, India won the series by 2. Had made a lead of 1.
Kohli is also currently captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL due to injury to Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis is playing as an ‘impact player’. Shastri said, “He is enjoying his game to the fullest. Last year when we were talking whether he needs a break or not. He had the weight of the whole world on his shoulders but now that energy, joy and enthusiasm is back again which is good to see.
