India's T20 captaincy should be given to Rohit Sharma: Monty Panesar

With India losing the inaugural World Test Championship final against New Zealand, the focus has again shifted towards Virat Kohli’s captaincy. Former England spinner Monty Panesar feels that Rohit Sharma should be handed the leadership duties of India in the shortest format.

The debate of following split captaincy has been a long-standing one. While a number of nations including England, Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have more than one national captains, the likes of India, Pakistan and New Zealand have the same leader across all formats.

With a host of ICC tournaments upcoming, many have suggested that India should opt for the model to better utilize the resources and also shift some burden from Kohli’s shoulders.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time when an expert has reckoned that Rohit Sharma should be given a chance to lead Inda. Despite a small sample size, he has shown his calibre at the international level, with India having won the Asia Cup and the Nidahas Trophy under him.

Rohit Sharma has also led his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians to an unequalled five titles as a captain ever since he took over the reins in 2013. In his international career, he has led India to eight wins in 10 ODI games, while in 19 T20Is as a leader, Rohit has won 15 and lost just four.

Rohit does really well for the Mumbai Indians: Monty Panesar

“Well I think T20 captaincy probably should be given to Rohit Sharma, he does really well for Mumbai Indians,” Monty Panesar said while speaking to CricBouncer.

Panesar further stated that Kohli will be under pressure. “You know Virat Kohli is under pressure here because if his team doesn’t perform in the five-match series against England and loses ICC T20 World Cup 2021 then you know what will happen.”

“I think against England, it will be less threatening because they don’t have like the Kyle Jamieson, so plus England’s top-order batting isn’t as strong. So, I think India probably will always be in the game,” he added about India’s Test series against England.