‘Hope the change room is not separated by this division’ – Brad Hogg on Virat Kohli’s removal as Team India’s ODI skipper

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg welcomed the move of removing Virat Kohli as Team India’s ODI skipper. Rohit Sharma, who is already India’s full-time T20I skipper since the T20I series against New Zealand, has been appointed as the captain in the 50-overs format. Prior to the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup, the 33-year-old put forth this decision of relinquishing T20I captaincy.

Hogg stated that the recent development may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Kohli and the Indian team. The veteran was of the opinion that separate captains for red-ball and white-ball cricket may just take the burden off the two cricketers going forward in international cricket.

The retired wrist spinner also said that Kohli can now focus fully on his batting after not having quite a great time over the last two years or so. Hogg put forth his opinions while speaking on his YouTube channel.

It takes a lot of pressure off you, says Brad Hogg

“I think this is a good move. Kohli should just embrace it and relax about the whole situation and should concentrate on captaining the Test team. So basically, you’ve got Rohit Sharma just concentrating on the team he wants in white-ball cricket and Virat Kohli focusing on Test cricket. It takes a lot of pressure off you,” Hogg said.

“Whereas Rohit Sharma has only got to worry about the white-ball environment plus all the sponsorship and other commitments off the field. I think this is going to be better for Virat Kohli. It is going to improve his performances which have slightly dropped off slightly in the last couple of years when he’s been under pressure while captaining all three teams,” he stated.

Although the BCCI is yet to name the ODI squad for the South Africa tour, it’s evident that Sharma will take charge as India’s full-time captain in the format. Hogg also kept his fingers crossed regarding any dressing room tension after the recent development surrounding Kohli and Sharma.

“I think it’s a blessing in disguise. I just hope when they go on their next tour, that change room is not separated by this little slight division between these two particular players,” he added.