Replacing Virat Kohli isn’t possible. Just like no one could replicate what Sachin Tendulkar did for Team India. However, someone can take over the team. Tendulkar did that when Sunil Gavaskar retired; Kohli did the same when the Master Blaster left the sport in 2013, and now it’s someone’s turn. Who’ll it be—who can take over the mantle of the run-machine—the greatest chaser white-ball cricket has ever seen?
Gill & Gaikwad: The real deals
For Kohli’s former teammate, Piyush Chawla, there are just two possible replacements. Having won the 2011 ODI World Cup together, Chawla knows Kohli’s game inside out. He feels Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad can be his only two successors. Gill has already been named India’s white-ball vice captain, and naming him seems like a no-brainer, but Gaikwad has yet to prove himself.
“Shubman Gill. Because of the technique he possesses. You see, if a batter goes through a rough patch of form, it is usually his technique that comes into play and helps them get out of the rut. If you notice, any batter who has great technique will never undergo a bad run of form for too long.” Chawla told Shubhankar Mishra why he thinks Shubman is the real deal.
“For me, Shubman Gill is up there along with Ruturaj Gaikwad,” he added. The current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper has played just 29 matches for India so far, and given the heavy competition, the 27-year-old isn’t likely to get games as often. Despite that, he picks Gaikwad. On the CSK captain not getting ample chances, Chawla said, “That’s part of the game. It just comes with the package. And sometimes, it is unfortunate that when opportunities do arise, luck just does not follow the same. But regardless, for me, these two players shall take over the mantle after Virat Kohli.”
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