Ever since Rohit Sharma lifted the trophy of IPL 2020 for his team Mumbai Indians, debates on the surrounding split captaincy in the Indian cricket team have re-ignited in the cricket fraternity. Some fans and former cricketers opined that the destructive opener Rohit Sharma should be given the leadership role in team India, atleast in the shortest format of the game.
The debate was first started by former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir who opined that it would be a shame if Rohit is not appointed the skipper of the Indian T20I squad went viral. Further explaining his point, Gambhir said that there is a huge difference between the captaincy of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in white-ball cricket.
Now the latest one to weigh on the ongoing debate surrounding the split captaincy is former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, who is often seen giving his opinions on various matters of cricket via his YouTube videos.
Shoaib Akhtar reckoned that Virat Kohli should hand over the captaincy to Rohit Sharma for the T20I format if he feels that he is getting fatigued because of the extra burden. He said:
“My take on it is pretty simple. From what I know Virat is very keen to take the team forward. It all depends on how fatigued he is feeling. He has been playing non-stop since 2010, has got 70 centuries and a mountain of runs under his belt.”
He added:
“If he is feeling fatigued, then he should think about giving the leadership role to Rohit in one of the formats (preferably T20s). I could see the boredom on his face during the IPL, may be it was because of the bio-bubble situation, he seemed a bit stressed out. It all depends on how he feels. Rohit has been ready for captaincy for a while.”
Furthermore, calling Rohit Sharma one of the greatest batsmen to have ever played the game, Shoaib Akhtar said:
“Rohit is one of the greatest batsmen India has produced. Now he also understands the real value of his talent. Australia will be his best chance to prove himself as captain. He should grab it with both hands. He has the talent and ability to lead the team. It will be a tough test for India, and I would look for these kinds of situations as a player. The whole world would be looking at Rohit as captain and batsman. If he does well for himself and the team, then there should be a debate about split captaincy,”
Shoaib Akhtar also reckoned that team India can win again if they make some changes in their squad. He said:
“In my opinion, India have the ability to win again. But if their middle order doesn’t perform, I see them struggling. People will be watching this series with great interest including myself. The day-night Test will be their toughest test. If India plays well in those conditions, then you never know. The first two innings of the first Test will tell us where the series is headed,”
