Rohit Sharma should lead India in next two T20 World Cups: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Rohit Sharma should lead India in the next two T20 World Cups. Current captain Virat Kohli announced that he would step down as skipper from the shortest format after the T20 World Cup 2021. However, Gavaskar believes that Rohit should take charge for this and the next edition in Australia.

The BCCI is yet to announce the captain, but it is widely believed that Rohit will take over. "I think (of) Rohit Sharma (as captain) for the next two World Cups," Gavaskar said on Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

"You could say they (World Cups) are back-to-back, one starting in a month and another exactly a year from now. So clearly, yes, you don't want to change too many captains at this particular stage."

"Rohit Sharma would definitely be my choice for captaincy of the Indian team for both these T20 World Cups," he added.

Rohit has tasted success whenever he has led India in limited-overs, including winning the Nidahas Trophy and also the Asia Cup in 2018.  Moreover, he is also the most successful captain in the history of IPL with five trophies to his name for the Mumbai Indians.

Speaking about the Indian T20 team's vice-captaincy, the legendary Gavaskar feels Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul and Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant are the two best options for the post in the time to come. "... And then, I'm looking at KL Rahul for vice-captain."

"I would also keep Rishabh Pant in mind because he has been really impressive in the way he has led a star-studded Delhi team and the bowling changes that he has been making in the T20 format, using Nortje and Rabada in such a clever manner that actually shows a street-smart captain."

"You always want a street-smart captain who can read situations and act immediately. So yes, Rahul and Pant are the two guys I would look at as vice-captains."

Pant, who was named DC captain for the IPL 2021 season after regular skipper Shreyas Iyer was injured, has led his team to eight wins in 11 matches so far.

India were officially scheduled to host the upcoming edition of the World Cup, which will now be held in the UAE and Oman due to the COVID-19 situation in India. The 2020 edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia, which was cancelled due to the global pandemic, is slated to be played next year.

(With inputs from PTI)