3 Players who can replace Virat Kohli as next India skipper

Back in December 2014, Virat Kohli took over as India’s Test captain after MS Dhoni quit the format following the Melbourne Test. Then in 2017, the Delhi-born Kohli got the leadership role in the ODI and T20I format as well.

Albeit he doesn’t have any ICC trophy in his closet, his numbers as the skipper, irrespective of the format, is worth envying. He has only grown in fandom and stature. In September 2019, he surpassed Dhoni as India’s most successful Test captain. The 2-0 series triumph in the West Indies took Virat to 28 victories.

However, at the age of 31, he isn’t getting any youngster. Leading in all three formats can turn out be taxing for him in the future. In that case, India should have their backup ready and focus on grooming players for the permanent role.

In the article, let’s take a look at three players, who can replace Virat Kohli as India’s captain: –

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is currently the vice-captain of India’s ODI and T20I teams. The 33-year-old mostly takes over as the national skipper when Kohli isn’t in the playing eleven and he hasn’t disappointed by any means. The Nagpur-born cricketer started his captaincy stint with a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka at Dharamsala in 2017.

But he has a win percentage of 80 in the ODI format. In T20Is, Rohit has guided India to 15 wins in 19 games. If Virat steps away at some point, there isn’t much doubt that Rohit’s name would be contemplated.

Also, Rohit also has transcended Virat in the Indian Premier League. Rohit has led the Mumbai Indians to four titles. Virat, on the other hand, has floundered as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have mostly finished at the bottom of the table.