The Indian captain Virat Kohli has slipped down in ICC Test batsmen rankings and is currently placed at the number 5 spot with 776 rating points. The coach of Indian captain Rajkumar Sharma was stunned after seeing Kohli slip down to the fifth place.

Virat Kohli who was once battling for the top spot in ICC Test batsman rankings is currently far away from the top. Ahead of the England Test series Virat Kohli was placed at the number 4 spot. However, with the rise of English captain Joe Root, the Indian skipper has slipped down.

Notably, Joe Root with the help of his sensational run with the bat is sitting at the second spot of ICC Test batsman rankings. Joe Root is having 893 points and is just behind New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. Speaking on Indian News, Rajkumar Sharma expressed his shock towards Virat Kohli slipping down in rankings. He asserted:

“It is shocking news for me that Virat Kohli has fallen to the fifth spot. I was expecting that Joe Root would have probably gone ahead of him. I will definitely talk to him.”

Coach Rajkumar Sharma revealed he had a talk with Virat Kohli after the Lord’s Test and he was very happy and motivated. Also, Sharma opined that a big hundred from Virat Kohli will be seen real soon. Rajkumar Sharma stated:

“I don’t feel there is any need to motivate him because he is extremely motivated. When I had spoken to him after the last match as well, he was quite excited and was happy that they had won and was not too worried about his runs. When he has such an attitude, a big hundred is about to come.”

Latest ICC Test Batting Rankings:-

1. Kane Williamson – 901.
2. Joe Root – 893.
3. Steve Smith – 891.
4. Marnus Labuschagne – 787.
5. Virat Kohli – 776.
6. Rohit Sharma – 773.
7. Rishabh Pant – 736.
8. Babar Azam – 725.
9. David Warner – 724.
10. Quinton de Kock – 717.

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) August 18, 2021

“I would say it is a challenge for Virat to chase Joe Root” – Rajkumar Sharma

Rajkumar Sharma was also asked whether England captain Joe Root had posed a challenge to Virat Kohli like Steve Smith and Kane Williamson have done in past. Sharma said:

“It is not a challenge but he [Root] has batted fantastically. I have always said that that he is an amazing player because he has a very good temperament and technique in any case. When he plays on his home ground and especially against India, I feel he is extremely motivated.”

Further Rajkumar Sharma added that it will be a challenge for Kohli to chase Joe Root. Also, he believes that the Indian captain loves challenges. He asserted:

“I would say it is a challenge for Virat to chase Joe Root. I have full hope because I have known Virat from his childhood, he loves challenges. So it is a good challenge and we will see a good contest in the upcoming matches.”

Virat Kohli will soon be seen in action when England will face off India at Headingley, Leeds on Wednesday 25 August.

Turning the heat 🔥🔛 at Headingley 🏟️💪🏻#TeamIndia 🇮🇳 | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/cxNjZFIqh0

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 22, 2021

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