The BCCI named Rohit Sharma as the new ODI captain as it announced the Indian squad for the Test series against South Africa. His first assignment as a full-time ODI skipper will be the upcoming series against South Africa. Making a few other changes, Rohit was elevated as the Test vice-captain along with being named as the ODI captain. Kohli will continue to lead the side in Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma has won 18 of 22 games as India’s white-ball skipper. His victories include the Nidahas Trophy and the 2018 Asia Cup. Rohit has two World cups in sight with the T20 World Cup to be played next year in Australia followed by the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
Meanwhile, here are three reasons why Rohit Sharma’s elevation as an ODI skipper is a good move after being previously named as a T20I skipper.
1. Proven Record As A Skipper
The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI & T20I teams going forward.#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/hcg92sPtCa
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 8, 2021
Rohit has mentioned earlier has won 18 out of 22 games whenever he has been named as the stand-in skipper previously. His IPL record as a captain is the best among all the leaders. Between 2013 and 2021, he has led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles besides scoring a hefty amount of runs for them as well.
Rohit has shown that he has a calm head on his shoulders and has also marshalled his troops well in tough situations. With India seeking ICC titles in near future, Rohit’s experience of winning IPL titles will be an invaluable experience.
2. Uniform Captain In ODIs & T20Is
Split captaincy has never worked for the Indian cricket team. It was previously tried when Anil Kumble was the skipper of the Test team before his retirement with MS Dhoni named as the new ODI & T20I captain back in 2007.
Over time, India had Kohli leading the team in all three formats. However, now India has taken England’s way of playing with one captain in the white-ball formats and a different captain for Test matches.
While Kohli has enjoyed loads of success as India’s ODI captain, having one skipper for both the ODI and T20I teams sounds wise and more cohesive. With Kohli giving up T20I captaincy, him stepping down as ODI skipper was always on the cards. The decision was taken keeping the bigger interest of the team in mind.
3. Virat Kohli Can Focus On His Batting
Kohli is still India’s premier batsman in all three formats. With India playing back-to-back World Cups, India needs Kohli to be at the pink of his batting form.
Relieved from the pressure of captaincy, one believes that he can now focus entirely on his batting and play his part in helping India win the upcoming ICC events in the white-ball formats of the game.
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