Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh is against the idea of restoring Virat Kohli as the captain of the Indian Test team, saying that it could be like taking a huge step back.
Kohli had enjoyed a great time as the skipper of the Indian team in the longest format of the game but decided to step down in 2022. Recently, Ravi Shastri suggested that he would like to see the star batter captain the side one more time.
However, Harbhajan doesn’t seem to be a fan of the idea. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the former India spinner said that restoring Kohli as skipper would be like taking a huge step back. While Harbhajan admitted that Kohli’s record as captain is phenomenal, the former spinner suggested that it is time for India to look at someone else.
“This will be like taking a huge step back. If you keep moving back, how will you move forward? Not that Virat was a bad captain. Till the time he was in charge, Virat was brilliant. Look at this record – the Test wins at home and overseas – it speaks for itself. He’s delivered the results too. But I definitely believe that if Rohit is not playing or is injured or whatever be the reason, we should look at someone else,” said Harbhajan.
Harbhajan said that Kohli wouldn’t accept the role in the long run but could take it up if it is a one-off appearance like the WTC final. The former spinner said if Rohit Sharma isn’t available then India should look at investing in a new captain.
“If it comes to the one-off match, then yes, Virat can take charge. But not otherwise. If it’s a big match like a WTC final, why not? But if you look at a 4-match series where Rohit is not available, then that is the time to invest in a new captain. But if you go back to Virat in a long series, that is not a step in the right direction. Firstly, Virat won’t do it, and even if he does, it will send an indication that we haven’t prepared the next captain,” said Harbhajan.
