NZ tour of India: Rohit Sharma is all set to take over from Virat Kohli as the Indian captain in T20is as the Men in Blue head into a new era starting with their series at home against New Zealand. Sharma has been the vice-captain of the side for quite some time, while enjoying a stellar record in the IPL, leading Mumbai Indians to a record five IPL titles. However, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has warned Sharma that T20I is a completely different ball game and he will have to be on his toes.
NZ tour of India: Sunil Gavaskar’s stern warning for Rohit Sharma, ‘franchise titles doesn’t guarantee success’
Sunil Gavaskar said that the series against New Zealand marks a new beginning in Indian cricket, with Rohit Sharma set to take over as captain in T20I cricket, It also coincides with the appointment of Rahul Dravid as the new head coach, following the end of Ravi Shastri’s tenure.
Speaking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar said, “Rohit Sharma is absolutely ready to carry the baton forward. It is a new beginning for Indian T20 cricket under the leadership of Rohit. Generally, a captain is only as good as his team. I know Rohit has won five IPL trophies under his captaincy but leading a national team is completely different to leading your state team or franchise.”
The former Indian captain added, “Just like a good first-class cricketer, he doesn’t necessarily turn out to be a great international cricketer. It goes to the captains also, no matter how many titles you have won for your state team or franchise, it doesn’t guarantee success at the international level”
NZ tour of India: Sunil Gavaskar’s stern warning for Rohit Sharma, ‘franchise titles doesn’t guarantee success’
Rohit Sharma, India’s vice-captain in white-ball cricket during Virat Kohli’s reign, was the frontrunner to take over in T20Is. The Hit-Man has a stunning CV to back his claim. With five IPL titles, Rohit is the most successful captain in the league. Even when leading in India in Kohli’s absence, the 34-year-old has done a good job. Under his captaincy, India have won multi-team tournaments like the Nidahas Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2018.
Meanwhile, his opening partner KL Rahul was appointed as his deputy. Rahul has been the captain of the Punjab Kings over the last two seasons and has been one of the consistent performers with the Indian team in the shortest format of the game. Sunil Gavaskar opined that the appointment was made as “one for the future”, with Rahul being readied to take over the mantle once Rohit Sharma’s stint ends.
He said, “KL Rahul has been marked as a future leader by the selectors. He has been the captain of Punjab Kings in the IPL and, above all, he plays in all 3 formats for India. I think Rahul playing in all three formats is the reason why he has been elevated to the role of vice-captain.”
NZ tour of India: Sunil Gavaskar’s stern warning for Rohit Sharma, ‘franchise titles doesn’t guarantee success’
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