Virat Kohli is leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore side for the last few matches in absence of Faf du Plessis who injured his ribs while fielding in a match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.Since Kohli’s return as captain, RCB have won two matches while conceding a defeat earlier this week against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Highlighting this situation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri was asked whether one could see Kohli doing captaincy in international cricket too – if the regular skipper isn’t available. And interestingly, Shastri pointed back to the rescheduled fifth Test against England in Edgbaston, where Rohit was ruled out due to Covid-19, and Jasprit Bumrah had led the side in his absence.
Shastri stated that if he had still been the coach, he would’ve recommended Kohli’s name for captaincy in the game.
“I thought he (Kohli) would (lead the side). Once Rohit was injured (Covid-19 infection), I thought he would be asked. If I was still there, I would’ve. I’m sure Rahul might have done the same thing; I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to him, but I would’ve recommended the board that it’s only fair he leads because he was part of the team that was leading 2-1 in the series. And he probably could’ve gotten the best out of players,” Shastri told ESPNCricinfo.
When asked whether Kohli would have any qualms in leading the team again, Shastri said that it’s an “honour to lead the country.”
“Not at all. It’s an honour leading your country. These are circumstances where you got to put your best foot forward. Your regular captain is injured, he’s not part of the team, so seeing what’s at stake, beating England in England, 2-1 up… how many teams beat England and Australia in the same year, overseas?” said Shastri further.