Virat Kohli, India’s captain, claimed on Monday that Rohit Sharma will take over as T20 International captain and that the senior opener has been “overlooking things for a while now.” Rohit, Kohli’s deputy in the T20 World Cup, is expected to take over as India’s T20I captain for the forthcoming shortest format matches against New Zealand, which start on November 17.
Kohli said during the toss ahead of India’s final T20 World Cup match against Namibia on Monday (November 8), “I’ve been immensely proud of how the team has played. Now I think it’s time for the next lot to stake this team forward. Obviously Rohit is here and he’s overlooking (sic) (overseeing) things for a while now. It’s been an honour for me, I was given the opportunity and I tried to do my best. But it’s also time to create some space and move forward.”
Ravi Shastri’s term as head coach, as well as those of certain other support staff members, notably bowling coach Bharat Arun, came to an end with Monday’s game. India’s next head coach will be Rahul Dravid. Kohli confirmed his decision to step down as skipper of the T20 team before the World Cup. In addition, he has resigned as captain of his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore. There is talk that the great hitter may lose his ODI captaincy in the near future.
The trip to South Africa will begin in the third week of December, with India playing three one-day internationals and four T20 internationals. When it comes time to choose a squad for the tour, the BCCI and national selectors will make a decision on one-day leadership.