Would be foolish to remove Virat Kohli as captain after such investment, reckons Shoaib Akhtar

Ever since India made its World Cup exit, rumours have been afloat of the Indian captaincy being split. While Virat Kohli was pegged to continue leading the team in the all-whites, the media widely reported that Rohit Sharma might be named captain in the limited-over formats of the game. 

However, retired Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar does not agree with such an outtake, backing Kohli to continue as the team’s leader in all the three formats of the game. Ever since taking over the reins from MS Dhoni, Kohli has taken India to some significant landmarks such as being the number one ranked Test team three years in a row and the Champions Trophy final. However, he is yet to win any multinational tournament sanctioned by ICC. Akhtar believes that with better personnel surrounding him, Kohli will be able to lead his team successfully.

"I think Virat Kohli should not be removed from captaincy because a lot has been invested into him. He has been leading the side for the past three-four years now. All he needs is a better coach and a better selection committee and he will improve. He will be a sensible choice once he gets the required support staff from BCCI," Akhtar said in a video on his Youtube channel, reported TOI.

Rohit Sharma is currently the vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, and has already proved his mettle as a skipper having led the Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles. Regardless, Akhtar feels it is now too late to remove Kohli from the top spot.

"Rohit Sharma, no doubt, has led Mumbai Indians well in the IPL. But, I believe the investment is already done now in Kohli. It would be completely foolish to remove Kohl,” he added.

There have been multiple reports of rift between Kohli and Sharma but multiple insiders have denied the same. While manager Ravi Shastri labelled such claims as ‘nonsense,’ Kohli ranted in a press conference about the media trying to feed on lies and overlook facts to report such disrespectful and false instances. Akhtar also echoed similar sentiments.   

"There have been rumours that there are two groups within the Indian team -- one of Virat and other of Rohit, However, these reports are not true. Even if there was a rift between the two, it must have ended before the World Cup,” Akhtar concluded.