WTC Final | Virat Kohli should lead in big matches like WTC final in absence of Rohit Sharma: Shastri

New Delhi: Former head coach of the Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri believes that if captain Rohit Sharma is not available for any reason, then Virat Kohli will play a vital role in big matches like the World Test Championship Final (WTC Final). (Virat Kohli) should be given the captaincy. Shastri further said that the Indian team management should have asked Kohli to captain the team in the postponed last Test of the tour of England last year as Rohit was not available for that match. Shastri told ESPN Cricinfo, “For such a big match, I would like Rohit to be fit because he is the captain. But if due to some reasons he is not able to play, then the Indian team should think in that direction. He was asked whether Kohli should captain the team if Rohit is not playing. Shastri said that the same should have been done for the fifth Test against England. Read this also He said, “When Rohit was injured, I felt that Virat would be the captain.” He said, “If I were the coach, I would have suggested the same. I am sure Rahul (Dravid) would have done the same. I haven’t talked to him. Under Virat’s captaincy, India won the series by 2. Had made a lead of 1. Kohli is also currently captaining Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL due to injury to Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis is playing as an ‘impact player’. Shastri said, “He is enjoying his game to the fullest. Last year when we were talking whether he needs a break or not. He had the weight of the whole world on his shoulders but now that energy, joy and enthusiasm is back again which is great to see.” (agency)