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Virat Kohli relinquishing Test captaincy has led to a debate about his successor in the red-ball format. Many former cricketers have weighed in on who should be India's next Test captain in the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka starting next month. Latest to join the bandwagon is former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
In an exclusive Interview with Sports Tak, Pietersen said Rohit Sharma should lead India in the red-ball format as well. In addition, he wants Rishabh Pant to take over the vice captaincy. Pietersen appreciated Sharma’s contribution in helping Mumbai Indians (MI) win five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. He spoke about team India’s new head coach Rahul Dravid as well.
“You (India) are so lucky that you have so much options for captain. I will probably stick with Rohit Sharma. He is a great leader, I love the authority he commands. He makes fabulous decisions and we’ve seen them with Mumbai Indians, he has won so many titles with them. More importantly, I am really looking forward to how Rahul Dravid with that team - can he do it with the youngsters, can he do it with the big guys.” Pietersen said.
The 41-year-old also spoke highly of Kohli and his contribution to Indian cricket. Pietersen called the 33-year-old batter an “entertainer”. The South Africa-born batter was also very critical about the bio-bubble system as he said it may have taken a couple of years from Kohli's career.
“Virat is an entertainer and for any athlete it is very difficult to live in these bio bubbles. It not just takes a toll on the players but their families too. Something had to burst and the bubbles have to burst sometime or the other. Virat is an entertainer and these bubbles may have taken a couple of years away from Virat’s career. As a player, if you give me no crowd it is very difficult to play. So I am not shocked (at Virat’s decision) When the crowds do come back, you watch Virat Kohli go again.” Pietersen added.
Pietersen is also known for his love for wildlife and efforts to save animals from poaching. He also spoke about his recent tweet where he congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reduction in poaching of Rhino in Assam.
