Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that India captain Virat Kohli should step down as captain in all formats of the game and concentrate on batting only for his remaining cricketing career.
However, Kohli has stepped down as India’s T20I captain after the end of their T20 World Cup. Even, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has hinted that he may step down as India’s ODI captain soon as well.
“I think he has been a wonderful force for Indian cricket but I think it would be best if he decided to retire as captain in all formats now,” Shahid Afridi said on Samaa television channel.
“…I think Virat should step down as captain and just enjoy his remaining cricket which I think aplenty. He is a top batsman and he can play freely without any other pressures on his mind. He will enjoy his cricket,” he added.
He has the mentality to be a good leader of the players – Shahid Afridi on Rohit Sharma
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has been named captain for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at home as well. Afridi, however, has faced both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on the field quite a few times and he has even shared a dressing room in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League also.
However, Virat Kohli will lead the team in two Tests against New Zealand followed by the T20I series.
“I have played with Rohit for a year and he is an outstanding player with a top mentality. His biggest asset is he can stay relaxed where required and show aggression when it is needed the most. He is a top-level player with terrific shot selection and he has the mentality to be a good leader of the players,” he said.
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