Former Pakistan fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar feels Rohit Sharma leading the Indian Test team against Australia in Virat Kohli’s absence is a no-brainer and it can also lead him to be the limited-over skipper as well. Rohit has also led India to an Asia Cup title in Kohli’s absence. Though Ajinkya Rahane is the deputy skipper in the longest format, Akhtar sees Rohit taking over leadership duties from Kohli following the first Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Speaking to PTI, Akhtar said, ” From what I know Virat is very keen to take the team forward. He has been playing non-stop since 2010, has got 70 centuries and a mountain of runs under his belt. If he is feeling fatigued, then he should think about giving the leadership role to Rohit in one of the formats (preferably T20s). It all depends on how he feels. Rohit has been ready for captaincy for a while.”

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The series will also be Rohit’s first in overseas conditions as an opener in Tests and he faces a tough task in facing the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Talking about the same, Shoiab Akhtar said, “Rohit is one of the greatest batsmen India has produced. Australia will be his best chance to prove himself as captain. He should grab it with both hands. He has the talent and ability to lead the team. It will be a tough test for India and I would look for these kind of situations as a player. If he does well for himself and the team, then there should be a debate about split captaincy.”

India won their first ever series in Australia in the 2018-19 season but the task will be tougher this time with Kohli not being available after the first Test and Australia being a stronger team with the comeback of David Warner and Steve Smith. However, Akhtar reckons India have all bases covered in the bowling department and sees KL Rahul replacing Kohli at four in the last three Tests.

Akhtar said Australia should produce fast and bouncy tracks for the series as it will help their potent pace attack.

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Describing the same, Shoiab Akhtar said, “They can run through teams and they can run through your bodies (laughs). If Australia act wisely, they should produce pace-friendly wickets.”