Rohit Sharma’s appointment as Test skipper was an emotional decision: Yuvraj Singh

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh reckons Rohit Sharma’s appointment as India’s full-time Test skipper was an emotional decision taken by the BCCI selectors. The veteran batter took over the reins of the side after Virat Kohli decided to step down from the position following India’s 1-2 defeat against South Africa earlier this year. As Rohit already had the reins of the ODI and T20I team, his appointment as Test captain was obvious.

However, many were of the opinion that the BCCI must look at some other options as Rohit, 35, was 34 then and has a history with injuries. His hamstring issues have made him skip several important fixtures in the last couple of years. Nonetheless, the national selectors went with the opener as he had proven his credentials as an able leader.

Rohit Sharma should have been the white-ball captain a while ago: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj, who played under Rohit during his time at Mumbai Indians, lavished massive praises on the batter’s leadership skills. He also reckons the right-handed batter should have been named the white-ball captain a while ago.

“Excellent leader. I played under him when I was playing for Mumbai Indians. Very good thinker, very good captain. Rohit should have been the captain at least in the white-ball cricket a while ago. But since Virat was doing so well and the team was also doing well it wasn’t easy,” Yuvraj said in an exclusive interaction on Home of Heroes, Sports 18 newest offering.

Rohit has led MI to a record five titles and Team India has also done exceedingly well under him since November last year. However, Yuvraj reckons the batter’s fitness issues will put extra pressure on him.

“I felt it was an emotional decision to make him a captain in Test cricket. When they made him captain it was announced subject to fitness. You cannot announce your Test captain subject to fitness. He is getting injured a lot. He is at that age where he must look after his body,” asserted Yuvraj.

“It will add pressure to him on Test captaincy as well. It’s been only a couple of years since he started opening the innings in Test cricket. He has been playing well. Let the guy focus on his batting in Test cricket. I hope he enjoys, it’s not easy standing for 5 days in the park,” he added.