- The back-to-back retirements from Tests announced by first Rohit Sharma and then Virat Kohli have made the task of Indian selectors and the Board of Control for Cricket in India mandarins that much tougher. As you are aware, an important five-match Test series in England is fast approaching, and the retirement of two of the most defining, decorated, and proven world-class cricketers before a marquee series must have come as a big blow to all concerned. Especially, the loss of the talismanic Virat Kohli, who many consider still possesses at least two years of Test cricket, will leave the Test team at a huge disadvantage. Kohli has been an impressive influencer for Team India in Tests for his sheer presence and consistent performances over the years.
PC: myKhel
- Kohli has not only been the most successful Test captain in the annals of Indian cricket but also a very passionate supporter of the classical format right from day one. Of course, Kohli also deserves credit for ushering in the much-needed fitness culture and an aggressively combative disposition to take on the might of the opposition without fear. His feistiness, aggression, intent, and the ability to soak in the pressure to deliver goods consistently have taken Indian cricket to a different level in the last decade or so. Kohli’s aggression also manifested in the investment to produce quality pace bowlers who could claim wickets in any conditions. Attacking brand of cricket with five bowlers in Tests became the norm that resulted in famous away victories for Team India.
PC: India Today
- Even though Kohli made way for Rohit to assume the mantle of captaincy in all formats of the game, he continued to own the crucial number four position in Tests, albeit with diminishing returns of late. Cricket connoisseurs, experts, ex-players, and even ordinary fans would have realized Kohli’s struggles in the Tests while getting out repeatedly in one fashion, outside the off stump. People who used to watch Kohli besting the best in the world must have felt flummoxed by his repeated failure to score in his usual aggressive and assured self. The last series Down Under was a disaster when both Kohli and Sharma failed to live up to their exalted expectations. Writing was on the wall for Rohit, but not for Virat. Who will be the captain in the Tests then?
PC: NewsBytes
- Prima facie, the choice appears to be simple. Jasprit Bumrah has captained the team on occasions when Rohit was not present. However, Bumrah’s dodgy fitness and tendency to incur injuries are too well known. And the gruelling five Tests in England would raise questions about his ability to last the distance. News reports suggest the selectors and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir are veering towards talented Shubhman Gill to lead the side. He may as well be handed over the mantle. Though Gill has been terrific in the white ball formats, he is yet to prove his mettle in Tests. Who knows, the responsibility of leading the team may propel Gill to establish his undoubted talent in the classic format. Indian cricket fans would be eagerly waiting for the outcome.
