The ODI captaincy could have been taken away as a result of Kohli's statement in September: Gavaskar

Many fans and experts speculate on a rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following Rohit Sharma’s appointment as Team India’s full-time white-ball captain. Several times previously, the cricketers denied there was a rift between them. Sunil Gavaskar expressed his opinion on BCCI’s recent decision and said there could have been a connection between Kohli’s announcement in September this year that he would step down as captain of T20Is due to the T20 World Cup and BCCI’s recent decision. During an interview with India Today, Gavaskar said that the article could have been written better and that it could have also hurt the feelings of top BCCI officials.

Gavaskar stated, “I saw the announcement because it was public information. If I remember correctly, it stated that I would continue to lead India in Test matches and ODIs. Maybe it should have been changed to say that I would be available for Test and ODI matches,” Gavaskar added.

Gavaskar mentioned that the RCB batter has an “anti-feeling” towards him, but he has also defended him. One of the reasons why he was regarded negatively could have been the presumptions that he would be the Test and ODI captain. However, he has won in every format. He has not only led the Indian team to victory at bilateral events, but also at ICC events. His leadership abilities were therefore not an issue. Perhaps that one line was the root cause,” Gavaskar concluded.