New Delhi, First Published Jan 27, 2022, 3:47 PM IST
New Delhi: Former India coach Ravi Shastri has said that Virat Kohli should step down as captain of the Indian cricket team. But Shastri said the captaincy of the Test team should not have been vacated. Shastri was speaking on the YouTube channel of former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar.
Shastri also suggests a way back to the coli form. Shastri has been told to stay away from cricket for three months. Relevant parts of the interview .. ‘Kohli leaves the captaincy of the fixed over cricket team. Well done. But he had to continue in the Tests. Under Kohli, the team was ranked No. 5 for five years. I was shocked to miss the captaincy for losing a series. But we must respect the decision of that person in this matter. We do not know what was on his mind. Perhaps his body had told him this was enough. Kohli probably understands the fact that he is 33 years old, ”Shastri explained.
He continued … ” But Kohli can stay active in cricket for another five years. You can play like a king for three or four years. It is also advisable to take a break from cricket for two to three months at a time. Kohli can focus on batting and move forward thinking only about one game at a time. Koli will be able to identify exactly what his responsibility is and move forward. That is what is expected of him, “said Shastri.
“Kohli is currently under a lot of pressure. No human is perfect. Continuing life in the BioSecure bubble can be tiring. Kohli may also be suffering from fatigue. Leading the team in all three formats is not easy in such a situation. Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni have left the captaincy to focus more on batting. Kohli has achieved the maximum he can as a captain. Winning 40 out of 68 Tests is no small feat, ”Shastri said.
Kohli will next play in the ODI-T20 series against the West Indies. This will be Kohli’s first series under Rohit Sharma. Kohli, meanwhile, last scored a century two years ago. Fans believe the old Kohli will be seen once the captaincy is vacated.
Last Updated Jan 27, 2022, 5:11 PM IST