Rohit Sharma has to captain Team India in Virat Kohli’s absence, feels Irfan Pathan

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan reckons that Rohit Sharma should be appointed as Team India’s captain for the Test series in Australia after Virat Kohli’s departure. Kohli won’t be a part of the four-match series after the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, starting December 17. He has been granted paternity leave to attend his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma, who’s due to give birth in January.

Pathan didn’t mince any words in saying that Virat’s exclusion may not augur well for the Indian team by any means. In Kohli’s absence, Ajinkya Rahane, the Test vice-captain, is likely to stand in for him. However, Irfan, who retired from international cricket back in January, mentioned that Rohit is a “proven leader” and is an apt candidate for the captaincy duties.

Rohit Sharma has the required experience, says Irfan

“Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important,” Pathan was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI).

“On the field, it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions,” he stated.

“Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience. His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury,” Pathan added.

Earlier, Rohit wasn’t included in the Test, ODI and T20I series after he sustained a hamstring injury during the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). But later he returned to play in the T20 tournament and said that he’s up and running.

He was thereafter added to the Test squad but has been rested from the T20I and ODI series. Last year, Rohit revived his Test career as an opener in the home series against South Africa. But then, he missed out the New Zealand Tests in February due to injury.