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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels Rohit Sharma main the Indian Test crew towards Australia in Virat Kohli’s absence is a no brainer and the much-awaited sequence can be his “best chance” to stake declare for captaincy in one of many limited-overs codecs. Calls have been rising for spilt captaincy within the Indian crew since Rohit led Mumbai Indians to a fifth title within the IPL. Rohit has additionally led India to an Asia Cup title in Kohli’s absence. Though Ajinkya Rahane is the vice-captain on paper, Akhtar sees Rohit taking up management duties from Kohli following the primary Test on the Adelaide Oval. The India skipper can be returning dwelling after the series-opener to attend the start of his first little one.
Speaking to PTI, Akhtar provided his view on the controversy. “My take on it is pretty simple. From what I know Virat is very keen to take the team forward. It all depends on how fatigued he is feeling. He has been playing non-stop since 2010, has got 70 centuries and a mountain of runs under his belt,” he stated.
“If he is feeling fatigued, then he should think about giving the leadership role to Rohit in one of the formats (preferably T20s).
“I might see the boredom on his face in the course of the IPL, could also be it was due to the bio-bubble scenario, he appeared a bit stressed. It all will depend on how he feels. Rohit has been prepared for captaincy for some time.”
The series will also be Rohit’s first in overseas conditions as an opener and he faces a tough task in facing the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
“Rohit is likely one of the best batsmen India has produced. Now he additionally understands the actual worth of his expertise,” said Akhtar.
“Australia can be his greatest likelihood to show himself as captain. He ought to seize it with each fingers. He has the expertise and talent to steer the crew. It can be a troublesome take a look at for India and I’d search for these form of conditions as a participant.
“The whole world would be looking at Rohit as captain and batsman. If he does well for himself and the team, then there should be a debate about split captaincy.”
India received their first ever sequence in Australia two years in the past however the job appears a lot harder this time with Kohli not being accessible after the primary Test and Australia being a stronger crew following the return of David Warner and Steve Smith.
“In my opinion, India have the ability to win again. But if their middle order doesn’t perform, I see them struggling. People will be watching this series with great interest including myself,” Akhtar stated.
“The day-night Test will be their toughest test. If India play well in those conditions, then you never know. The first two innings of the first Test will tell us where the series is headed.”
Akhtar reckons India have all bases lined within the bowling division and sees KL Rahul changing Kohli at 4 within the final three Tests.
“It takes two-three innings to control that forward trigger movement in foreign conditions. You can’t drive on the up and have to play close to the body,” he stated.
“It will be interesting to see how the pitches will be. The Aussies will come hard at India that is for sure and won’t be giving easy balls to drive,” stated the 45-year-old, who performed 46 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan.
Akhtar stated Australia ought to produce quick and bouncy wickets for the sequence as it’s going to assist their potent tempo assault.
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“They can run through teams and they can run through your bodies (laughs). If Australia act wisely, they should produce pace-friendly wickets,” he stated, referring to the trio of Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc.
To match the physique language of Australians, Akhtar feels extra Indian gamers might want to have the aggressive strategy that Kohli thrives on.
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