Virat Kohli Was Forced To Leave Captaincy, Says Shoaib Akhtar
Published - 23 Jan 2022, 11:09 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:03 AM
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has made a huge statement surrounding the captaincy debate of Virat Kohli. He said that the former Indian skipper was forced to leave captaincy in the wake of how things panned out with him.
Virat Kohli first stepped down as India’s T20I skipper before the start of the T20 World Cup. He was then asked to step down as India’s ODI skipper following which Kohli voluntarily relinquished Test captaincy after India’s loss to South Africa in the Test series.
“Virat didn’t leave captaincy but was forced to do so. This is not the best of times for him but he needs to prove what he is made of. Is he made of steel or iron? He is a great guy and a cricketer. Do not try too many things, just go out there and play cricket. He is a great batsman and has achieved more than anyone else in the world. He just needs to go out there and play with his natural flow” said Akhtar to ANI.
Talking about Kohli’s batting, the former Pakistan pacer said that he will come out of the bad form and should move forwards not keeping any bitterness against his teammates.
“He plays a lot with his bottom hand and I think when the form is out, bottom hand players usually are the first ones to get in trouble. I think he’s gonna come out of this. He should move forward from this and not keep any bitterness against anyone. Just forgive everybody and keep moving,” he added.
When asked about who will become India’s next Test captain, Akhtar said that the BCCI will take a ‘smart decision’ regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, the ICC announced the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2022. India will take on Pakistan in Melbourne on October 23. The rivals are placed in group B along with South Africa and Bangladesh. Australia, New Zealand, England and Afghanistan make up group A. Four more teams will advance through to the Super 12 stage. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Geelong, Hobart, and Perth will host the event between October 16-November 13.
