It has been more than two weeks since Virat Kohli resigned as Test captain. During this period, several names have emerged as potential candidates to replace the 33-year-old in the traditional format. While many of the game’s veterans have voiced their opinions explaining their right person to take over the role, former Australia captain and game legend, Ricky Ponting has also joined the ranks in supporting Rohit Sharma.
Rohit was earlier named India’s new white captain after Kohli’s removal from the ODI captaincy in November last year, and was also named as the new vice-captain of the Test team to replace Ajinkya Rahane. As such, he has become the front-runner to replace Kohli and become the full-form captain of India.
In a conversation with ex-cricketer Issa Guha in the first episode of ICC Review, Pontin explained that Rohit’s success with Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians is the reason he should The main reason for being named as Kohli’s successor.
“I think from that moment on, what he did with the Mumbai Indians proved that. He has been a very successful leader there and has been the same in the few times he has led India.
“If I go back to what I said at the beginning when you’re in the captaincy role to be at the top of your game, after what he’s done with his Test cricket over the last 2-3 years, it’s hard Argued. He was as good as anyone in the world during that time, and we know how good he is as a white ball player.
“They (BCCI) will also decide what to do with their roles, whether it’s splitting them up or wanting to keep the same captain in all formats,” he said.
Rohit has won five IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians, making them the most successful team in tournament history. Rohit has also led the Indian white team on several occasions but has yet to lead in red-ball cricket.
Besides Rohit, Ponting has other captain options under consideration. While he was full of praise for Rahane’s leadership, he had no problem with KL Rahul’s potential to be the next Test captain.
“Honestly, I’ve worked with Ajinkya – he’s just a great guy, a very, very good player. He wasn’t the best batsman in the Test, but we saw him in leadership The side’s performance came in last summer’s series against Australia.
“I don’t know KL Rahul very well – his name got fired a bit. All the reports I’ve heard about him are he’s an amazing guy and he’s playing well and starting to have a really good Test record. , especially overseas it’s impressive,” he explained.
There are two other names on tour – the young Rishabh Pant, who has worked with Ponting in the Delhi capital, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
