You Have To Respect Someone Like Virat Kohli For What He Has Done - Jonty Rhodes

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes feels that Virat Kohli still has a lot to offer to the Indian team in terms of batsmanship and he should also be respected for everything he has done for Indian cricket.

Kohli gave up Test captaincy after the 1-2 series loss to South Africa but he will continue to play as a batter since he has a few more years left in him. Rohit Sharma has taken over in white-ball formats while the BCCI is still deciding on the red-ball skipper.

“With regards to him stepping down, it’s always a personal decision. He’s obviously not retired. Many captains leave the job and just walk away but Kohli’s still around. He is very passionate. We know how he plays the game. He is always 100% committed.”

“His work ethic is just as strong. He obviously thinks he has a role to play for India still, just not as a captain. You have to respect someone like him for what he has done. I can’t judge him and guess the reasons for him stepping down as India’s Test captain. But if he is still there, surely that’s a good thing,” Rhodes told NDTV.

“I’d be a little bit nervous of a Kohli who doesn’t have the responsibility of leadership” – Jonty Rhodes

As a captain, Kohli’s performance didn’t deteriorate. He played with the sole intention of winning and always showed up for the team when needed. Even now, he can do the same without the responsibility of leadership.

“I’d be a little bit nervous of a Kohli who doesn’t have the responsibility of leadership. Not that it cost him anything. I think he scored incredible runs for India. But he is such a passionate guy that he would want to go out there and score heavily just to show that he is still relevant to India in any capacity,” Rhodes added.

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