Selectors Seek Time To Decide On ‘Sensitive’ ODI Captaincy Debate – Reports

The All India Senior Selection Committee headed by former cricketer Chetan Sharma has sought some more time to pick the ODI squad for the South Africa series. As a result, the fans will have to wait a couple of more nights to find out who will be India’s ODI captain. However, the Test squad is expected to come out later today.

Incidentally, Virat Kohli has stepped down as India’s T20I captain after the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 that paved way for Rohit Sharma to take up the baton. However, this has made the job of the selectors a bit tricky as many want a single leader in the white-ball format of the game.

Let me play the devil here… 👿

Remember, if not this series then the next — Rohit Sharma is / will be the white-ball captain of Indian team (that includes ODIs). That is for certain.

Only question was whether it happens ahead of SA tour or ahead of home series vs WI. 😊

— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) December 7, 2021

As per reports in the TOI, the selection committee wants to adopt a slow and steady approach before picking India’s ODI squad. The selectors, reportedly, want to discuss the same with both Kohli and Rohit before taking the final decision.

“The ODI captaincy is a sensitive issue. There is a school of thought that Rohit Sharma should be given charge of all white-ball cricket after being appointed the T20I captain. But for that, the selectors need to sit with Virat Kohli and know where he stands with his batting. The situation will have to be discussed with Rohit too, because he is also seeking clarity on his role,” a source close to the selection panel was quoted as saying by TOI.

Incidentally, Virat Kohli has not shown any intention to step down as India’s ODI captain when he announced that he will relinquish T20I leadership duties. It has been learned that Kohli is interested to lead in the 50-overs format till the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by India.

India are scheduled to travel to South Africa for three Tests, starting December 26 followed by the same number of ODIs.