Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-Ul-Haq has hinted that a possible rift between Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri might be the reason behind India’searly exit from the T20 World Cup earlier this year. India lost to Pakistan and New Zealand to bow out of the tournament in the league stage.
The legendary former Pakistan batter reckons the announcement of Kohli stepping down as India’s T20 captain after the World Cup was something the BCCI and the team could have avoided as well.
“I said this even before the match, that this statement of leaving captaincy after the tournament… it is not good. You have to play a big event and this shows that there is pressure on you and you are not comfortable. They all knew that after this tournament, Shastri was to get replaced by Dravid,” Inzamam said on ARY News.
The legendary batsman further said that Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as skipper is a sign of things that not everything is good within the Indian dressing room.
India Could Have Done Way With Virat Kohli Stepping Down As Captain: Inzamam-Ul-Haq
“This should not happen before a big event. Your authority gets challenged. And this means that relations between Kohli, Shastri and board were not great. If India were to win the T20 World Cup, would they have removed the captain and coach? There was some problem between them,” said the former Pakistan batter.
Rahul Dravid has won his first series as coach since taking over. India whitewashed New Zealand in the three-match T20I series just after the T20 World Cup. The team thus completed a revenge of sorts for their ouster from the mega event.
Inzamam concluded by praising Shaheen Afridi’s spell against India. He dismissed the Indian openers in his opening spell thereby taking the sting out of the Indian batting line-up in the game.
“Our fast bowlers always stamp their authority on India. We have always had a good pace battery. Every team is a little apprehensive about facing Pakistan’s bowling,” said Inzamam.