Kohli’s limited-overs captaincy under threat

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pondering over the possibility of split captaincy, after reports about rift between two integral members, captain Virat Kohli and experienced opener Rohit Sharma, of the side.

According to Indo-Asian News Service, the BCCI is concerned about rumours of divisions within the side after the team’s exit from the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in England and Wales.

A BCCI functionary has said that the board is mulling the possibility of handing over the limited-overs captaincy of the side to Sharma, while Kohli will continue to lead the side in Test cricket.

“This would be the right time for Rohit to take over the mantle of the captaincy in the 50-over format. There has been immense support to the present captain and the management and it is time to plan ahead for the next World Cup and for that the existing ideas and plans need a fresh look. We all know some areas need a relook. Rohit would be the right man for the job,” the functionary said.

A review meeting will also take place to evaluate the performance of Indian side during the World Cup and other relevant issues.

“You are aware that Vinod Rai (CoA chief) has already mentioned that a review meeting will take place. This will have to be ascertained when the review takes place and it is important to get to the bottom of these rumours,” the functionary added.

Rumours about rift first emerged when an Indian player was quoted to have said, on basis of anonymity according to The Quint, that there are two groups within the team, one led by skipper Kohli and the other by vice-captain Sharma.

The report further stated that Kohli does not consult with anyone before taking decisions, since he has full backing of India coach Ravi Shastri and the Indian Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (COA) chief Vinod Rai.