Badrinath Raises Concerns Over Kohli’s Absence as Test Captain and Rohit Sharma’s Overseas Record

Badrinath Raises Concerns Over Kohli's Absence as Test Captain and Rohit Sharma's Overseas Record

VoM News Desk | December 30, 2023 | 11:36 PM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Badrinath Raises Concerns Over Kohli’s Absence as Test Captain and Rohit Sharma’s Overseas Record

Badrinath Raises Concerns Over Kohli’s Absence as Test Captain and Rohit Sharma’s Overseas Record

Former Indian cricketer Subramniam Badrinath recently questioned the absence of star batter Virat Kohli as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team, following India’s substantial defeat to South Africa in the first Test. Badrinath highlighted Kohli’s impressive record as a Test captain, emphasizing his significant contributions to India’s victories in various challenging series across different countries.

Kohli’s leadership prowess was underscored by his remarkable statistics, including over 5000 runs scored with an average of 52+ as a captain, securing 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws in 68 Tests. Badrinath particularly praised Kohli’s captaincy in leading India to a historic series win in Australia, as well as notable Test victories in England, South Africa, West Indies, and Sri Lanka. Kohli’s personal batting achievements, with 18 centuries and 18 fifties in 111 innings at an average of 53.40, were also highlighted.

Expressing his confusion over Kohli’s absence as Test captain and Rohit Sharma’s role as an opener, Badrinath emphasized that Kohli’s credentials as a better Test batter overshadowed Rohit Sharma’s performance. He questioned the rationale behind Rohit Sharma’s inclusion as an opener, particularly outside India, pointing out Sharma’s record in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia—countries where India has historically faced challenges.

While acknowledging Rohit Sharma’s commendable overall Test record of 3,682 runs at an average of 45.45 with 10 centuries and 16 fifties, Badrinath highlighted concerns about Sharma’s performance in SENA nations. Sharma’s statistics in these countries, comprising 1,182 runs at an average of 30.30 with a century and six fifties in 21 Tests, raised doubts about his effectiveness as a consistent opener in challenging overseas conditions.

Badrinath’s comments bring attention to the ongoing debate regarding India’s Test team leadership and the opener’s position, urging a reevaluation of strategic decisions in the team’s composition for future Test series abroad.

VoM News Desk

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