Indian cricket could be set for a paradigm shift after the T20 World Cup ends in November. The Times of India reported on Monday that Virat Kohli could step down as captain of the ODI and T20I teams after the event, with opener Rohit Sharma succeeding him.
The Times of India quoted BCCI sources as saying Kohli had taken the call to share leadership responsibilities with Sharma. "Kohli has had prolonged discussions with Sharma and the team management over the last few months, particularly after Team India’s triumph in Australia, one that coincided with Kohli becoming a father," The Times of India reported.
The publication added, "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."
Revealing the reason for the move, The Times of India reported Kohli felt captaincy in the three formats—Tests, ODIs and T20Is—was affecting his batting. "Kohli feels his batting, across formats, needs more time and greater impetus as Team India looks at two World Cups—T20 and ODI—between 2022 and 2023 respectively," The Times of India reported.
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The report quoted a source as saying, "... Virat is also the first to realise that his overall responsibilities as captain across formats are taking a toll on his batting. He needs that space and freshness because he has a lot more to offer. If Rohit takes over as white ball captain, Virat can continue leading India’s red-ball aspirations and work on his T20 and one-day batting. He’s just 32 and given his fitness, he will easily play top cricket for another five to six years at least."
If the 'split captaincy' decision is confirmed, it would be the third time Indian cricket would be implementing the option: In 2007, Anil Kumble was captain of the Test team, while M.S. Dhoni led the ODI and T20I sides. In 2015, Kohli was made captain of the Test side after Dhoni retired from the format. Dhoni continued to be captain of the ODI and T20I sides until 2017.
A number of sides currently implement the split-captaincy option, including Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
