Virat Kohli‘s sudden resignation from India’s Test captaincy has created a big headache for the Indian team management as they now have a big decision to make. A debate has been going on over who will replace Virat as the new Test captain of India, with several cricketers and experts coming up with their choices for the position. The latest one to join the debate is former Indian batter Mohammad Azharuddin.
Mohammad Azharuddin has backed India’s newly appointed white-ball captain Rohit Sharma as the new Test captain as he feels that Rohit is currently the best player in the country across formats. He said:
“If he is your no.1 player in all formats, then what is the problem?,”
While talking to India News, Azhar was further asked if the selectors should look for a candidate who can lead the time for the next 5-6 years. Responding to which, he said:
“I feel seeing 5-6 years ahead is a long time. You should definitely look forward but need to see immediate as well. Just to look forward, you cannot give to an inexperienced player, which might cause a problem.”
Rohit Sharma is currently in NCA, Bangalore undergoing treatment for his hamstring injury. He was ruled out of the upcoming 3-match ODI series against South Africa, which would have been his first assignment as the ODI captain. Several experts have raised questions and doubts over Rohit’s fitness for the role of Test captain. Talking about the concerns regarding Rohit’s fitness, Azhar remarked:
“I feel Rohit Sharma is a good player and can be a very good captain. He might play cricket for another two or three years, he might play more as well but his fitness will be very important because his hamstring becomes weak repeatedly.”
Azhar feels that Rohit’s absence will be an advantage to South Africa in the upcoming ODI series. He said:
“His absence in this series also became an advantage for South Africa because he is an attacking player, plays in an attacking fashion as an opener as well. Whatever experience I have and whatever cricket I have played, I feel the captaincy should be given to Rohit only,”
