Rohit Sharma is set to lead for the first time in ODIs as India’s full-time captain in the upcoming home series against West Indies, starting February 6 in Ahmedabad.
The BCCI removed Virat Kohli as the ODI captain ahead of the South Africa series, however, Sharma couldn’t make the trip as he sustained a last-minute hamstring injury. KL Rahul captained the team in the ODIs in South Africa which India lost 3-0. Now, Sharma has been deemed fit for the upcoming series against Kieron Pollard’s side.
However, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar has sighted a worry for Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid. Agarkar opined that Virat Kohli’s “form” is a “concern” even though Kohli smacked a couple of fifties in the 3-ODI series against the Proteas.
Ajit Agarkar was reflecting on Virat Kohli not being able to convert this fifties in the past two years to a three-figure score. The 33-year-old has been stuck on 70 international centuries since November 2019, and while he has consistently notched half-centuries since then, the drought of a century has been bugging everyone.
Speaking with Star Sports, Ajit Agarkar said, “At the end of the day, you are as successful as your team, and if you don’t win it, it doesn’t matter how great a player you are on the field.”
Under the new leadership of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, Agarkar feels, India may try out different combinations, but, he added, Kohli’s form remains a key factor going forward.
“There would be different combinations, but Virat Kohli’s form will be crucial. The quicker he discovers his form, the better it is for Rohit Sharma to manage the team easily. Virat’s form is a concern. So, hopefully, he discovers his form sooner,” the former seamer asserted.
The West Indies tour comprises three ODIs and as many T20Is. The ODI matches will be played on February 6, 9, and 12 while the T20Is on 15, 18, 20. After the West Indies, India will host Sri Lanka for a 2-Test series followed by 3 T20Is.
