When India faced Namibia on 8 November in Dubai in their last game of the T20 World Cup 2021, it marked the end of the Kohli era. The occasion was an emotion-filled one, as Virat Kohli led India in his last T20I game as skipper.
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Kohli’s Last Hurrah
Fittingly, Kohli’s stint at the wheel ended on a victorious note as India steamrolled Namibia. After winning a rare toss, Kohli invited Namibia to bat first. The Indian bowlers rose to the occasion, with Ashwin and Jadeja grabbing three wickets apiece. Chasing a modest target of 130, India crossed the line with eight wickets to spare as openers Sharma and Rahul helped themselves to half-centuries.
SharSharma to Lead in Home Series Versus NZ
ref="https://www.cric-life.com/article/history-of-cricket-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India will next take on New Zealand at home on November 17, when Rohit Sharma is expected to lead the team for the first time as its permanent captain in a white-ball game. While this will not be Sharma’s first match at the helm, it will be much different. The Men in Blue will be Rohit’s wards in the foreseeable future and Hitman will look to fulfil an unrequited ambition by winning an ICC competition.
RohiRohit Has Three Years to Fulfil His Vision
ma brings to the table a brilliant record as captain. Given a team with unmistakable potential, Sharma will be expected to embark on a winning streak. Counted among the team’s senior-most players, alongside Kohli and Ashwin, Sharma commands the respect and love of his teammates. At 34, Sharma is not exactly in the flush of youth; his upcoming stint as permanent skipper will give Sharma — alongside coach Dravid — about three years to fulfil his vision for Indian cricket.
KohlKohli Could Be Key to Sharma’s Ambitions
ably the biggest challenge of Sharma’s captaincy will be how to bring out the best of Virat Kohli the batter. Kohli continues to remain the world’s best batter and is likely to be unchallenged in that position over the next few years. Will Kohli be used as an opener? Else, what will his position be in the Indian batting order? The answer to these questions could decide the fate of Indian cricket over the next year or so.
Rohit Has Three Years to Fulfil His Vision
ma brings to the table a brilliant record as captain. Given a team with unmistakable potential, Sharma will be expected to embark on a winning streak. Counted among the team’s senior-most players, alongside Kohli and Ashwin, Sharma commands the respect and love of his teammates. At 34, Sharma is not exactly in the flush of youth; his upcoming stint as permanent skipper will give Sharma — alongside coach Dravid — about three years to fulfil his vision for Indian cricket.KohlKohli Could Be Key to Sharma’s Ambitions
ably the biggest challenge of Sharma’s captaincy will be how to bring out the best of Virat Kohli the batter. Kohli continues to remain the world’s best batter and is likely to be unchallenged in that position over the next few years. Will Kohli be used as an opener? Else, what will his position be in the Indian batting order? The answer to these questions could decide the fate of Indian cricket over the next year or so.
Those who are familiar with Kohli will recognise his keenness to perform. Kohli will use the opportunity to express himself with the bat while continuing to entertain his fans. The well-being of Indian cricket in the foreseeable will hinge on how Kohli and Sharma collaborate.