Shahid Afridi backs Rohit Sharma as T20I skipper of India, makes a big statement on Virat Kohli

It is known to all that Indian skipper Virat Kohli has stepped down from the T20I captaincy duties to manage his workload better and in the same turn of events, Rohit Sharma has been appointed as T20I skipper from the upcoming New Zealand tour. Talking of the same events, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi lauded the move made by the BCCI and stated that the decision was very much on cards.

Shahid weighed in on his experience of having played with hitman during his days in Deccan Chargers (IPL). The former Pakistan cricketer believes that Sharma is an outstanding player with terrific short selection as his specialty. He is a perfect mix of calmness and aggression while being on the field, reckoned Afridi.

“As far as Rohit is concerned, this was on the cards. I have played with him for a year (at Deccan Chargers). He is an outstanding player with a terrific shot selection. He stays relaxed where required and shows aggression when needed to as well. We will see both sides. As I said, this captaincy move was bound to happen. He should definitely be given a chance”, said Afridi as quoted by Samaa TV.

I think Virat should take the decision to continue as only a player: Shahid Afridi

Moving further into the conversation, Afridi made some big statements on Virat Kohli. He added that Kohli should continue his journey in international cricket further as a player only and should give up captaincy in the other two formats as well. The 44-year-old added that captaining isn’t an easy task especially in countries like India and Pakistan and it all goes smooth till the time captaincy is going on well.

“I think Virat should take the decision to continue as only a player. There will be relatively less pressure, he has played plenty of cricket too. He will enjoy his cricket and batting because captaining a team is not easy, especially in countries like India and Pakistan. As long as you are captaining well, things go smooth,” Afridi added.

Kohli stepped down as India’s T20I skipper after T20 World Cup 2021.