Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi. Image Credits: Twitter

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi hailed Rohit Sharma for his batting technique and encouraged him to lead India in T20Is.

India is set to observe split captaincy after a dismal performance in T20 World Cup as Virat Kohli stepped down from the captaincy role in the shortest format.

Rohit Sharma is an outstanding player: Shahid Afridi

Rohit Sharma, who is India’s vice-captain in white-ball affairs, was named the captain for the home T20I series against the Black Caps.

Afridi recalled his short experience in IPL with Rohit, and the former Pakistan captain called the Indian batter an outstanding player and expected to see his different forms as a captain.

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. Credits: ICC

As far as Rohit is concerned, this was on the cards. I have played with him for a year (at Deccan Chargers). He is an outstanding player with terrific shot selection. He stays relaxed where required and shows anger when needed to as well. We will see both sides. Like I said, this captaincy move was bound to happen. He should definitely be given a chance,” Afridi said on Samaa TV.

Virat Kohli should continue only as a player: Shahid Afridi

Kohli will continue to lead India in ODIs and Test formats as he wanted to manage his workload by giving up the T20I captaincy.

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Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli
Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli. (Photo: Twitter)

Afridi feels that Kohli should step down as India’s captain from all formats and enjoy his batting time for the remaining years of his career.

“I think Virat should take the decision to continue as only a player. There will be relatively less pressure, he has played plenty of cricket too. He will enjoy his cricket and batting because captaining a team is not easy, especially in countries like India and Pakistan. As long as you are captaining well, things go smooth,” Afridi mentioned.

India will play the three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting on November 17 in Jaipur.

Also Read: BCCI To Have Discussion With Virat Kohli About ODI Captaincy, Rohit Sharma Could Be Made ODI Skipper For South Africa Tour: Reports