T20 World Cup: Virender Sehwag backs Kohli to continue as captain

T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli has been a ‘brilliant’ captain – Virender Sehwag gives verdict on Indian captain’s white ball future – Team India captain Virat Kohli officially signed off as captain in T20I cricket as the Men in Blue were knocked out of the T20 World Cup on Monday. Kohli had previously revealed that the tournament will be his last as captain, hinting vice-captain Rohit Sharma will be his successor in the format. The 33-year-old is set to continue leading the team in Tests and ODIs, as Team India head into a new era under coach Rahul Dravid.

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T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli has been a ‘brilliant’ captain – Virender Sehwag gives verdict on Indian captain’s white ball future

Virat Kohli will step down as T20I captain, but questions have been raised whether the Indian captain should continue leading the team in ODIs as well. While Kohli has led India to some memorable series wins away from home in red-ball cricket, his record in ICC trophies has been lacklustre with India failing to lift the title in four tournaments running. However, former Indian opener and Kohli’s Delhi teammate Virender Sehwag believes that the 33-year-old has been “brilliant” as captain and shouldn’t leave the leadership role in ODIs and Tests.

Replying to a fan’s query on his official Facebook page, Virender Sehwag threw his weight behind Virat Kohli’s leadership skills despite the criticism levelled at the Indian captain. The former Indian batsman, who occasionally captained the team, said, “This is Virat’s decision but I don’t think he should leave the rest two format’s captaincy. If he wants to play just as a player, it is his decision. I feel under his captaincy, India is playing good and his record as a captain is brilliant.”

Sehwag further added, “He is a good player, an aggressive captain and leads from the front. I reiterate that leaving or not leaving captaincy in ODIs and Tests should be his personal decision.”

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T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli has been a ‘brilliant’ captain – Virender Sehwag gives verdict on Indian captain’s white ball future

However, the former Indian opener was mindful of India’s poor record in ICC tournaments and believes there needs to be a clear introspection as to why the team has failed to fulfil its potential. Since the 2013 Champions Trophy victory under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, India are yet to win an ICC title. India were twice knocked out in the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup while losing the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the ICC Tets Championship final. India did not make the knockout in the T20 World Cup.

Virender Sehwag added, “I know we should support the team during bad times but it’s been a long time we haven’t won any major ICC tournament. India should definitely introspect on it. Winning bilateral series is one thing but people only remember you if you win world tournaments consistently.”

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