Expected Virat Kohli To Lead India When Rohit Sharma Was Injured, Ravi Shastri's Honest Admission

28.04.2023 - 10:49 sports.ndtv.com

Virat Kohli's unfulfilling exit as India's captain from all three formats of the game did feel like a bad breakup story. With the cricketing world still trying to understand what transpired between India's finest Test captain to date and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), there remain those who are still wondering if there's a way for Kohli to return as India's captain for one last match.

Though his return as Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper, even on a temporary basis, gave fans something to cheer about, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has admitted that he expected Kohli to lead when Rohit was injured for the rescheduled Birmingham Test against England.

With Rohit out due to a Covid-19 infection, it was Jasprit Bumrah who led the Indian team for the rescheduled 5th Test against Ben Stokes' men.

The first four Tests of the series were led by Kohli. But, there was no U-turn for Virat, even for the solitary match despite Rohit's absence.

cricket India Cricket Team Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Ravi Shastri Jasprit Bumrah India Birmingham Bangalore

Prior to current captain Rohit Sharma's tenure, Team India had two contrasting leaders in MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. While Dhoni is known for his cool and calm demeanor, Kohli made his name with his aggressive approach on the field. Under Dhoni, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. On the other hand, Kohli led Team India to new heights in the longest format of the game. On being asked to pick between Kohli and Dhoni's captaincy styles, former India head coach Ravi Shastri came up with an epic respose.

"Keep Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Fresh For ODIs, Tests": Ravi Shastri All For Big Change In India's T20I Team

After the 2022 T20 World Cup, where India could not go beyond the semi-final stage, there have been deliberations on whether fresh blood and ideas needed to be introduced in the T20I team. Many reports suggested that Hardik Pandya getting regular opportunities as the Indian T20I captain, after the World Cup, is an indication in that direction. While the discussions continue on that front, former India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested that it's time to give youngsters a chance in the T20I squad. In a discussion on ESPNCricinfo, one of the panelists asked: "Potential Shubman Gll, Yashasvi jaiswal, Hardik Pandya at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Jitesh Sharma, very fresh team from the past, would cup do they make the top 6?"

'I Have Made Many Mistakes As Captain': Virat Kohli's Honest Take On Leadership

India batter Virat Kohli led the national side after taking over the leadership duties from MS Dhoni. Though India failed to win any major ICC trohpy during Kohli's reign as captain, the team dominated world cricket. Be it from instilling confidence on his teammates to standing for his players, Kohli beautifully played the role of the leader. However, before entering the senior international circuit too, Kohli had proven himself as an apt leader. He also led Delhi in the domestic cricket before leading India to the U-19 World Cup.

Virat Kohli Or Rohit Sharma - Favourite Wicket? Star India Pacer's Smart Reply To Tricky Query

For any bowler, especially those playing in the Indian Premier League, dismissing Royal Challengers Bangalore star batter Virat Kohli and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is the ultimate prize. No matter what their form is, the duo's reputation and their marvellous stats make them sought after wickets. In the IPL 2023, Kohli is among the top run-getters, though his strike-rate is under question. Rohit is battling a lean patch and recently became the batter with most number of ducks in the IPL (16).

"Can Get Lot Of Brownie Points Using...": Ravi Shastri's 'Smart' Advice After Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly's Viral Handshake

The IPL 2023 is being closely followed - not only the matches but also what happens after the matches. The incident involving Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Naveen-ul-Haq for example. Royal Challengers Bangalore star Kohli's altercation with Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gambhir and player Naveen got wide publicity. Then, after Delhi Capitals' first leg match against RCB, Kohli missing a handshake with DC Director of Cricket Ganguly raised all kinds of speculation. Then again, the duo's handshake after the second leg of the two teams match also made the headlines.

IPL 2023: Virat Kohli's "Home vs Away" Stats Highlight Concerning Aspects Of His Game

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season reaches a decisive stage, Virat Kohli's pace of scoring runs has left fans and pundits divided. Though the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Stalwart has been hailed by many for his consistency in scoring runs, there remain those too who aren't impressed by his strike-rate, especially in the middle overs. As Kohli's side prepares to take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Tuesday, a concerning stat has emerged highlighting the contrasting strike-rate that Kohli has had home and away.