I Think Rohit Sharma Will Become T20I Captain - Madan Lal

Former India cricketer Madan Lal is confident that nobody other than Rohit Sharma is the next name for taking over India’s T20I captaincy from Virat Kohli, who on Thursday announced that he will be stepping down from the role post the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli, however, will continue as the ODI and Test skipper.

Madan Lal, who is also the chief of the Cricket Advisory Committee, pointed out that Sharma is not only the current vice-captain but has also won 5 IPL titles for the Mumbai Indians. The opener has lead India in 19 T20Is, winning 15 of those, whenever Kohli was rested.

“I don’t think there will be any discussion about someone else’s name because I think Rohit Sharma will become T20I captain. His performances in IPL as Mumbai Indians captain has been very good. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has spoken about the roadmap. In that case, Rohit Sharma was the vice-captain, he has a lot of experience having been Kohli’s deputy,” Madan Lal told Aaj Tak.

We have to see whether the selectors will discuss a 50-over captain: Madan Lal

Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning side, also noted that the selectors may discuss Kohli’s future as the ODI captain as well. India were knocked out of the 2019 World Cup semi-final and before that lost the 2017 Champions Trophy final – both under Kohli.

The 70-year-old feels if Sharma continues his fine form, he may be made the ODI skipper too. India are slated to host the 2023 World Cup (50 over).

“I don’t think there will be any discussion on that. But we have to see whether the selectors will discuss a 50-over captain. Till now, Virat Kohli has led well in ODIs and Tests. He hasn’t won an ICC title but he has won helped build strong bench strength.

“It depends on how Rohit Sharma performs. If he does well in T20 World Cup (next year), then there will be discussion about him in the selection meeting. It is possible that if he produces good results, he can also be made captain of the 50-over format,” the former all-rounder opined.

As far as this year’s T20 World Cup is concerned, India are clubbed alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and two other teams who will qualify from Round 1 in the Group 2 of the Super 12 stage. The mega-event starts on October 17 in Oman and the UAE.

Also Read: Unselfish Decision From Virat Kohli To Step Down As T20I Captain: Michael Vaughan