Ashish Ranjan
MSK Prasad, the former chief selector of India, questioned the selectors’ decision not to consider Virat Kohli for the Test captaincy again. Rohit Sharma currently leads the Indian team in the longest format of the game, succeeding Kohli, who resigned in January 2022 following a series loss to South Africa. Prior to this, he had resigned as the limited-overs captain and was subsequently dismissed from his position as the ODI captain.
Prasad responded with uncertainty when asked if Hardik Pandya would be India’s white-ball captain in the future and if Rohit would continue to lead the Test team. According to the former cricketer, the selectors’ focus will presumably be on the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2023 to 2025. Notably, Hardik has been appointed captain for the forthcoming T20 series against the West Indies and vice-captain for the ODIs.
“I am unsure if I can respond to this query. I do not know the selection committee’s mentality. During an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Prasad stated that the mindset of the selectors should be as follows: “With the WTC cycle, the selectors should have a clear cycle in mind.”
If selectors are considering alternatives to Rohit, I believe Virat can also be considered: When queried about the likelihood of the young all-rounder replacing Rohit as captain, Prasad Prasad gave the example of Ajinkya Rahane, who made a stunning comeback to become the Test team’s vice-captain, as to why Kohli could not be selected as captain again. If the selectors are looking beyond Rohit, Kohli will be the favorite, according to the 48-year-old.
“Why not Virat Kohli? Why can’t Virat Kohli return and become vice-captain if Ajinkya Rahane can? I am unaware of Virat’s perspective on stewardship. If selectors are considering alternatives to Rohit, and I don’t know if they are, but if they are considering alternatives to Rohit, I believe Virat can also be considered,” the former cricketer added.
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Virat Kohli is presently in the West Indies to participate in India’s multi-format series against the Caribbean nation. A two-match Test series will be contested in Dominica and Trinidad to kick off India’s tour. The former India captain, renowned for his exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment to the game, is anticipated to play a significant role in the upcoming series.
