India may soon opt for split captaincy: Kiran More

The split captaincy is the often most discussed topic within the Indian cricketing circle. England have used it well for the past five years with Eoin Morgan taking charge in two white-ball formats and Joe Root leading the Test format. India though have not resorted to it yet, former Indian chief selector Kiran More believes they may think of it considering since the Men in Blue have a packed schedule throughout the year.

Currently, Virat Kohli is India’s all-format captain but soon there might come a time when Kohli decides to not captain at least one format. Rohit Sharma is a ready replacement available as he has managed to lead India in ODIs and T20s during Kohli’s absence.

Kiran More’s opens up on the possibility of split captaincy in the Indian cricket team

More shared his views on the split captaincy and stated the theory can work in India and feels it might come sooner rather than later.

”I think the vision of the board drives these things. I believe Rohit Sharma will get a chance soon. Virat Kohli is a shrewd captain who played under MS Dhoni. How long he wants to captain the ODIs and T20s, he will also think. You will learn a lot more about these decisions after the England tour,” More told India TV.

The former wicketkeeper-batter also added that it would be difficult for Kohli to perform well consistently in all three formats considering the constant pressure of captaincy.

“It [Split captaincy] can work in India. What the senior players think about the Indian team’s future is very important. With Virat Kohli, captaining three teams isn’t that easy plus he has to perform as well. And I give him the credit for it because performing in every format while captaining and winning… but, I think there will be a time when Virat Kohli will say ‘Now it’s enough, let Rohit lead the side.”

Kohli and Sharma are more or less of the same age and given their good track record, they will feature in one more 50-over World Cup at least. Kohli is certainly at the peak of his form in Test cricket and is primed to lead India in the purest format for a minimum of three years. Rohit can take over in white-ball formats if Kohli decides to not captain in it.