Monty Panesar claims Virat Kohli will have no option but to step down from captaincy duties if he doesn’t win a World Cup soon. The former England spinner pointed out that since the next T20 and ODI World Cups will be held in India, Kohli’s leadership will attract scrutiny if he doesn’t win one of the tournaments.
Virat Kohli’s role as skipper has come under question after Ajinkya Rahane led India to a memorable Test series victory in Australia.
Speaking to Indranil Basu on SK Live, Monty Panesar admitted that even though Virat Kohli’s position isn’t under immediate threat, it may soon be if he fails to win a World Cup.
“If India have a questionable series. If they don’t win the T20 World Cup, or the World Cup, because they’re both in India. I think after that Virat Kohli will have to step down. His captaincy is there but he definitely needs to win one out of the T20 or the World Cup in India,” Panesar said.
Ajinkya Rahane’s spectacular tenure as captain in Australia has increased the pressure on Virat Kohli. From backing youngsters, astute bowling changes and field placements to leading an inexperienced team in adversity, Rahane passed his test with flying colours.
Although Monty Panesar doesn’t feel a change in captaincy is needed at the moment, he admits Virat Kohli will have a new challenge when he returns to the side as skipper.
“It’s an interesting debate. I think Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma’s combination works really well when they’re both given the leadership. It will be the skill of Virat Kohli to manage all the leaders now. This is going to be the next part of his captaincy,” Panesar added.
Touching on England’s upcoming tour of India, Monty Panesar explained that Virat Kohli will have to alter his leadership style, owing to Ajinkya Rahane’s success.
“Especially when England come to India and play 4 Tests in Tests in 5 weeks. He likes his dictatorship style but this time he’ll have to start listening to other people. There may be times during the Test series when he may have to listen to the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Ravi Shastri and Rohit Sharma. He’ll have to take their decisions on board and put them into practice, Panesar said.
