England’s former swashbuckling batsman Kevin Pietersen has had his say over who should lead India next in Test cricket following Virat Kohli’s shocking, unforeseen resignation last week.
Kohli announced last Saturday – just a day after India had been defeated by South Africa in the Test series – that he will be stepping down as the Test skipper with immediate effect, leaving everyone stunned.
Now, the question surrounding the selectors is who should be the next man in charge of the longest format.
Kevin Pietersen believes that India’s white-ball captain, Rohit Sharma, could emerge as India’s “best” Test captain going forward. Sharma is the frontrunner to take the job as he was promoted to the position of the vice-captain in Tests ahead of the South Africa tour, but missed it due to injury.
Kevin Pietersen highlighted that Sharma’s is the most successful captain in the IPL – winning 5 IPL titles for Mumbai Indians – and would be able to transfer his captaincy skills in the red-ball format.
“Rohit Sharma will be the best Test captain for India as his leadership quality was too good and he has five IPL trophies so no one can beat him in the race of Test captaincy I guess,” Pietersen told ANI on the sidelines of Legends League Cricket.
Kohli goes out as India’s most successful Test captain, having led the side to the number 1 ranking, lifting from number 7, and keeping it there for the better part of the past few years.
Under Kohli, India won their maiden Test series in Australia, reached the WTC final, and have a lead of 2-1 in the unfinished series in England.
Pietersen, a former RCB teammate of Kohli, hailed Kohli’s achievements as the Test captain. He also stated that if the 33-year-old wanted to step down, his personal decision should be respected.
“Virat Kohli was a good captain but if he wants to go then that could be anyone’s personal decision no one can interfere in it,” the dashing batsman added.
Kevin Pietersen is currently in Oman playing for the World Giants in the inaugural season of the Legends League Cricket.
