In a recent interview, MSK Prasad, the former chief selector of the Indian cricket team, raised questions about the selectors’ decision to overlook Virat Kohli for the Test captaincy role. Currently, Rohit Sharma leads the Indian team in the longest format of the game, as Kohli stepped down in January 2022 following a series defeat to South Africa. Before that, Kohli had resigned as the limited-overs captain and was replaced as the ODI captain.
“I don’t know if I can answer this question. I don’t know the mindset of the selectors. Usually, the mindset of the selectors should be now with the WTC cycle it should be a clear cycle, that’s how the mindset should be,” Prasad said during an exclusive interview with Khel Now.
If selectors are thinking beyond Rohit, then I think Virat can also be an option: Prasad
Prasad expressed doubts when asked about the possibility of Hardik Pandya becoming India’s white-ball captain and whether Rohit Sharma would continue leading the Test team. According to the former cricketer, the selectors’ mindset will likely revolve around the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. It is worth noting that Hardik was appointed captain for the upcoming T20 series against the West Indies and named vice-captain for the ODIs.
Prasad argued that if Ajinkya Rahane could make a remarkable comeback and become the Test side’s vice-captain, why not consider Kohli for the captaincy again? He highlighted Rahane’s resurgence as an example and suggested that if the selectors were contemplating options beyond Rohit, Kohli would be a strong contender.
“Why not Virat Kohli? When Ajinkya Rahane can come back and become the vice-captain, then why not Virat Kohli? I don’t know what the mindset of Virat is on captaincy. In case selectors are thinking beyond Rohit, I don’t know whether they are thinking but if they are thinking beyond Rohit, then I think Virat can also be an option,” added the former cricketer.
Virat Kohli is in the Caribbean as part of India’s multi-format series against the West Indies. The tour will begin with a two-match Test series in Dominica and Trinidad. Known for his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the game, the former India captain will play a crucial role in the upcoming series.
