'He Has All The Capabilities To Lead The Indian Team But You Don't Have To Look For A Change'- VVS Laxman On Rohit Sharma Replacing Virat Kohli As The Indian Skipper
Published - 06 Dec 2020, 12:39 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:37 AM
Former India batsman, VVS Laxman has made his views aired on the heated debate of making Rohit Sharma the captain of the Indian team in white-ball cricket replacing the current skipper Virat Kohli.
This topic is not new, as it has been surfacing for years with Rohit winning multiple IPL titles for Mumbai Indians. However, as the opener led Mumbai to yet another title – 5 in 8 seasons – the flame of making a change in the national team has once again ignited.
To deep dive a bit, it’s not just about the titles in IPL – Kohli’s none in 8 seasons to Rohit’s 5 – but Virat Kohli has received flak for his inconsistency in team selections for India and RCB, and not giving enough chances to players, not backing the batters in particular, or making radical changes at major moments.
He has also been criticized for not keeping a constant new ball bowling pair; as currently, the Indian bowlers are having a difficult time picking wickets in the powerplay.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has shown immense faith in his players, especially bowlers even after getting hit for runs, Rohit has been seen backing them with ample opportunities. The MI leader is also a calm and composed figure on the field; a trait much associated with former skipper, MS Dhoni.
Kohli is doing a fantastic job: VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman believes that Rohit is a wonderful captain, and has done well whenever he has led the India team in Kohli’s absence – Nidahas Trophy, Asia Cup, and numerous bilateral series – and has won 5 IPL titles which is unprecedented. The SRH batting coach lauds Rohit for his calmness and ability to handle tough situations.
VVS Laxman also says that Rohit has all the qualities to be a successful India captain, however, he feels that is not necessary at the moment. The commentator reckons that Kohli has had phenomenal success with the Indian team and is currently doing a fantastic job. The 46-year-old asserts that there is no need to make any change for the time being.
As quoted by Timesnownews.com, VVS Laxman said, “No doubt he (Rohit) is a wonderful captain. Whenever he led in Virat’s absence he has been successful. Leading a franchise to five titles is not easy. The way he has built the team (Mumbai Indians) and handles tough situations has been superb.
He has all the qualities to be a successful captain for India but you don’t have to necessarily look for a change. Virat has had phenomenal success and is doing a fantastic job. I don’t see any requirement to make a change,” said VVS Laxman.
While Kohli has had success leading the national team, the losses in Champions Trophy 2017 final and World Cup 2019 semi-final have been attributed to tactical blunders before and during the tournament. The upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled in India next year, would be of massive importance not just from a team’s perspective, but also could decide the fate of Virat Kohli as the captain of the national team.
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