Should Rohit Sharma replace Virat Kohli as skipper? Shoaib Akhtar states his opinion

Mumbai: Since India's exit from the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019, there have been discussions about Rohit Sharma taking over the role of the skipper from Virat Kohli. Moreover, there have been reports stating about a rift between both the players. Skipper Kohli had also cleared the air about the matter, saying that the rumours were 'baffling' and 'disrespectful'.

Amid the rumours of the rift, former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar has stated his opinion on the matter.

While indulging in a question and answer session with fans on Twitter, Akhtar said there was no need for India to think about splitting the captaincy. “Will Rohit Sharma replace Kohli as captain of India?” Asked a fan, to which Akhtar said, “not required,” making it clear that he preferred to see Kohli leading the way in all three formats of the game.

A fan directly asked him to choose between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to which Akhtar stated Kohli’s name.

Reacting to rift reports with vice-captain Rohit, Kohli had said, “It is absolutely baffling and ridiculous to read such rumours about the rift. The focus has shifted from the play. People are creating this stuff on outside. We are senior players. People are creating lies and fantasies about the dressing room. It is disrespectful. I don’t think there’s anything very alarming about where the Indian team is placed.”

“We wouldn’t have had the kind of performances we’ve had if the dressing room atmosphere wasn’t a good one. The kind of performances we’ve had is only possible due to the camaraderie, trust and understanding in our team.”