‘Virat Kohli must be having some regrets but time heals everything’ – Saba Karim on captaincy shift in Indian cricket

The last few months in Indian cricket have been all about controversies. Kohli, who was leading the team across formats three months back, has how exited from the position. While Rohit Sharma has taken over the command of the white-ball teams, he’s the frontrunner to become the Test captain as well. Now, the biggest challenge for Kohli the batter would be maintaining the same energy when he is not the captain.

Speaking on the matter, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim said Kohli now has put in extra efforts to build a rapport with Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in the team. Notably, the upcoming white-ball series against West Indies would see Rohit and Kohli playing together for the first time since the shift in leadership.

Virat Kohli will need to make extra efforts: Saba Karim

“Virat Kohli will need to make extra efforts. He must  be having some regrets, I am sure, but time heals wounds. I think Virat is experienced enough and mature to deal with it. We should see it on the ground soon,” said Karim on the Khelneeti podcast.

It must be noted that rumours of rift between Rohit and Kohli have been doing rounds since the last few years. While Kohli has rubbished the rumours several times, several fans and experts are certain that there is some tiff between the two. Speaking of the duo’s relationship, Karim asked the two Indian batting batters to look at the bigger picture and put the team forward.

He also urged the new skipper Rohit to take the extra step and acknowledge Kohli’s experience and stature. “Being captain, Rohit Sharma will need to take that extra step. He and Rahul Dravid will need to explain to Kohli the thought process and culture they want to bring in,” asserted Karim.

“They can seek inputs from Kohli over the same. At the end of the day, both Kohli and Rohit need to look at the big picture and think about the ultimate team goals. If both players are on the same page, things will become very easy. If issues crop up between them, the dressing room environment will go down quickly. So it is very important for both of them to work together,” he added.