Chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma says no other candidate was discussed to lead India in Tests as the Mumbai batter takes complete charge from Virat Kohli in all formats; new skipper’s next challenge is Sri Lanka
Rohit Sharma. Pic/Getty Images
What started as a circle from handling T20I captaincy responsibilities in November was completed on Saturday. As chief selector Chetan Sharma called out Rohit Sharma’s name as the Test captain for the series against Sri Lanka, the circle of Rohit’s coronation as the all-format captain of India, replacing Virat Kohli, was complete.
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For Rohit, a regular in all formats, especially after his successful run as an opener in Test cricket began in 2019, the addition of leadership now makes him the “No.1 cricketer in the country”, if one goes by Chetan’s words in the virtual press conference.
Chetan Sharma
“The most important thing is that he is playing all three formats. For us, it becomes very important how we manage Rohit,” said Chetan.
The chief selector further stated that making Rohit the Test captain was a unanimous choice when the five selectors in the committee discussed within themselves. “No discussion. It was absolutely a clear choice for us and we are very happy to make Rohit the captain. Under him, we will also prepare our leadership. When a cricketer as huge as him is available for all formats, then the selectors are very happy. Let’s hope everything goes right and if things go the way we think, it will be very good.”
Test squad v SL
Rohit Sharma (captain), J Bumrah (vice-captain) P Panchal, M Agarwal, V Kohli, S Iyer, H Vihari, S Gill, R Pant (wicketkeeper), KS Bharath, R Jadeja, J Yadav, R Ashwin, K Yadav, Sourabh Kumar, M Siraj, Umesh Yadav, M Shami
T20I squad v SL
Rohit (captain), J Bumrah (vice-captain), S Iyer, R Gaikwad, Suryakumar, I Kishan (wk), S Samson, Venkatesh Iyer, D Chahar, D Hooda, R Jadeja, Y Chahal, R Bishnoi, Kuldeep, M Siraj, Bhuvneshwar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan
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