Expected Virat Kohli to lead India when Rohit Sharma wasn't available for 5th rescheduled test vs England: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri expected Virat Kohli to lead India in Rohit Sharma's absence for the rescheduled 5th Test against England in Birmingham

One of the most vibrant captains in the modern era, Virat Kohli's ousting from the helm came as a shock to many. Still trying to fathom and process this, many fans have yearned to see Virat Kohli as the captain of the national jersey. Although dropping the command in 2022, Virat Kohli has been seen leading his franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on a temporary basis in the absence of Faf du Plessis.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has admitted that he expected Kohli to lead when Rohit was unavailable for the rescheduled Birmingham Test against England. India's full-time captain, Rohit Sharma missed the 5th and the final test of the series due to COVID-19 infection, it was Jasprit Bumrah who led Team India. The first four Tests of the series were led by Kohli. Shastri said that if he was the head coach for that match, he would've asked Kohli to lead.

"I thought he (Kohli) would (lead the side). Once Rohit was injured (positive Covid-19 report), 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 said in an interview on ESPN Cricinfo.

When asked if doubts over leading the country would've prevented Kohli from taking up the baton for the said match, Shastri quashed the suggestion.

"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?" Shastri further said.

“Best Indian team selected"... Ravi Shastri's remarks on the Indian squad for the WTC Final

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was mighty impressed with the Indian squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia which will be held from June 7-11 at the Oval, London. The BCCI announced the 15-man squad for the one-off Test match against Pat Cummins and Co. This will be India’s second attempt to get their hands on the WTC final trophy as earlier they suffered a defeat to New Zealand in the final of the inaugural edition.

Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant are a few big names who are missing from the squad due to injuries. Including the experience of Ajinkya Rahane in the squad has been a good call as cited by many. His current form in the IPL will be a big boost for Team India as he can be a resolve for the middle-muddle in the playing XI. India are likely to play a warm-up game before the big game.

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