ICC World Cup 2019: It is My Responsibility to Help Virat Kohli - Rohit Sharma

As the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) reaches its business end, the focus will slowly start to shift from the cash-rich T20 league to the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. England and Wales will host the marquee event starting from May 30. All eyes will be on the Indian National Cricket team as they enter the tournament as the hot favourites to win the trophy for the third time. The men in blues will have to play as a team and senior cricketer Rohit Sharma has admitted that it is his responsibility to help skipper Virat Kohli in need.

Responsibility to help Kohli

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s captaincy has come under the scanner after he once again failed to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to the playoffs. Former cricketers have often criticised his team’s selection and his abilities in a multi-team tournament. Kohli first led an Indian team in an ICC event during Champions Trophy in 2017. However, he failed to take the team over as India lost the final against Pakistan. The Indian skipper will be under pressure and Rohit Sharma – the vice-captain of the side said that it is his responsibility to help Kohli when in doubt.

“Being a vice-captain, it is my responsibility to stand by him (Virat Kohli) and help him when he is in doubt. That’s what we have done in the last few years,” Rohit Sharma said to India Today.

Furthermore, Rohit Sharma also asserted his comments stating examples from the past. Indian vice-captain said that when MS Dhoni was the captain of the team, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag helped him, and now it is the responsibility of senior cricketers like him to help Virat Kohli.

“When MS (Dhoni) was the captain, he had Sehwag, Sachin paaji and other senior players in the team to help him and give advice when needed. Now, since we have been in the team for so long, it is our responsibility to help the captain,” he added.

Meanwhile, Indian National Cricket Team will begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.