I personally requested Virat Kohli not to give up T20I captaincy: Sourav Ganguly

Virat Kohli’s sacking as India’s ODI captain has been a hot topic of discussion in the cricket world lately. While a section of fans and experts have called the decision right, others feel the 33-year-old was undone by. Notably, Rohit Sharma has taken over the charge from Kohli and he’ll now lead in both ODIs and T20Is on full-time basis. The same was informed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday (December 8).

For the unversed, Kohli stepped down as India’s T20I captain post the T20 World Cup 2021 last month. However, the batter had stated that he’ll continue leading the sides in the other two formats – ODIs and Tests. However, the national selectors didn’t want two different captains in white-ball cricket and hence, the major decision was taken.

Speaking on the whole matter, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly revealed that he had personally requested Kohli to not step down as T20I captain. As he didn’t agree to do so, the selectors had to strip him off as ODI skipper as well.

Selectors wanted only one white-ball captain: Sourav Ganguly

“It’s like I said… I personally requested him (Kohli) not to give up T20 captaincy. Obviously, he felt the workload. Which is fine, he has been a great cricketer, he has been very intense with his cricket. He has captained for a long period of time and these things happen. Because I have captained for a long period of time; therefore, I know,” said Ganguly in a conversation with News18.

“Also, they wanted only one white-ball captain. And that’s why this decision. I don’t know what’s going to happen in future. But as I said, it’s a good team and it has some fantastic players and I hope they will turn it around. A good team does not have too many leaders,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kohli will continue leading the team in the longest format while Rohit will now be his deputy. The latter has replaced Ajinkya Rahane in the leadership department, and expectations are sky high from him. Speaking of the national team’s schedule, India will travel South Africa for three Tests and as many ODIs, starting from December 26.