Former Pakistan all-rounder, Shahid Afridi reckons that the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli should step down from the leadership role in all formats of the game to flourish as a batsman for his country. Speaking on the Samaa television channel, Afridi said that the BCCI’s decision to appoint Rohit Sharma as India’s T20 captain was a good one. 

Shahid Afridi explained, “I think he has been a wonderful force for Indian cricket but I think it would be best if he decided to retire as captain in all formats now. I have played with Rohit for a year and he is an outstanding player with a top mentality. His biggest asset is he can stay relaxed where required and show aggression when it is needed the most.”

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The Pakistani star said that Rohit had the mental strength to be a good captain and he has shown this while leading his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. Afridi played with Rohit for Deccan Chargers in the launch year of the Indian Premier League. On Kohli’s decision to step down as T20 captain, Shahid Afridi said he was expecting this to happen. Afridi felt that Kohli should give up the captaincy and should shift his focus on his batting now in all three formats and enjoy himself.

Shahid Aridi elaborated, “…I think Virat should step down as captain and just enjoy his remaining cricket which I think aplenty. He is a top batsman and he can play freely without any other pressures on his mind. He will enjoy his cricket.”

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Recently, Virat Kohli also decided to resign from the captaincy of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team in the IPL. Outgoing head coach, Ravi Shastri has hinted in a recent interview that Kohli might also step down as ODI captain and only focus on leading the Test team. Kohli has not scored a Test century since late 2019.