New Delhi: Virat Kohli's sudden decision to step down as T20 captain after T20 World Cup, created a lot of stir in Indian cricket. Now, in another shocking revelation, a news report in news agency PTI has claimed that Virat Kohli had suggested the selection committee to remove senior opener Rohit Sharma as Indian cricket team's vice-captain in ODIs.
PTI quoted sources as saying that Virat Kohli had approached the selection committee with a proposal to remove Rohit Sharma as the ODI vice-captain. The Indian Test skipper reportedly argued that considering the age of Rohit Sharma, a young player should be made the vice-captain. Rohit Sharma is currently 34-years-old and is the strongest contender to become India's next captain in the T20 format.
Virat Kohli wanted to see Lokesh Rahul or Rishabh Pant as the new vice-captain in ODIs. However, BCCI did not like his proposal. "It was not liked by the board which believes that Kohli does not want a real successor," the source told PTI.
Rohit Sharma is almost certain to be appointed as the new T20 skipper of the Indian cricket team after T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman. Apart from Rohit, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are some other strong contenders for vice-captain's role.
The second phase of IPL 2021 is set to begin in UAE in a few days and if Rishabh Pant manages to power Delhi Capitals to a historic IPL title win this year, then the wicket-keeper batsman will emerge as the biggest contender for team India's T20 captaincy. The source told PTI, "Pant is a strong contender but you cannot rule out Lokesh Rahul as he is also an IPL captain. Jasprit Bumrah can also prove to be a hidden contender."
Late on Thursday evening, Virat Kohli had announced on social media about his decision of leaving team India's T20 captaincy after the T20 World Cup. Post the shocking announcement by Kohli, speculations are being made that soon India may even get a new captain in ODI cricket as well.