Rohit Sharma has spoken for the first time since replacing Virat Kohli as the new ODI skipper of the Indian team. The Hitman has responded to the critics by stating that he is not bothered by the outside noise and is focused on the job at hand. Rohit was appointed as the ODI skipper of the Indian team earlier this week, ahead of the team's tour of South Africa later this month.

Rohit had earlier taken over as T20 captain after Kohli had decided to step down as India's captain in the shortest format. While Kohli was expected to continue leading in ODIs, his captaincy stint has been cut short by the national selectors, who believe having one captain in white-ball format will keep things simple for the Indian team.

Rohit, who has also been appointed as the vice-captain in Tests, replacing Ajinkya Rahane, said he is aware of the noise outside but is not focusing on what people are talking about.&nbsp;

"When you are playing cricket for India, the pressure is always going to be high. The pressure is always going to be there. There will be a lot of people talking about it; be it positively or negatively," Rohit said in his first interview with BCCI TV since taking over ODI captaincy.

"For me, personally, as a cricketer, it is important to focus on my job and not to focus on what people are talking about because you can't control that. I have said it a million times and I will keep repeating it," he added.

Rohit will not be leading India for the first time in South Africa as he has captained the team in quite a few matches in white-ball cricket. He has eight&nbsp;wins to his name in ten&nbsp;ODIs while leading Team India and has 18 wins in 22 T20Is. He had led India to Asia Cup and Nidahas Trophy triumphs in 2018.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/venkatesh-iyer-set-for-odi-debut-likely-to-be-named-in-squad-for-south-africa-tour-report-436327">Venkatesh Iyer set for ODI debut, likely to be named in squad for South Africa tour - Report</a>

Rohit believes there will always be pressure on the Indian team when playing in a high-profile tournament and there will be criticism from all corners but it is important for the players to trust each other and not focus on the outside noise to ensure they can perform at their level best.

“This is also the same message to the team and the team understand that when we are playing a high-profile tournament, there will be a lot of talks," said Rohit.

"It's just important for us to focus on what we have in hand; which is to go and win games and play the way you are known for. So, those talks outside are immaterial. What we think of each other is more important. You want to share a strong bond between players and that is what will help us achieve the goal we want to," he added.. 
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Rohit Sharma has spoken for the first time since replacing Virat Kohli as the new ODI skipper of the Indian team. The Hitman has responded to the critics by stating that he is not bothered by the outside noise and is focused on the job at hand.

Rohit Sharma has spoken for the first time since replacing Virat Kohli as the new ODI skipper of the Indian team. The Hitman has responded to the critics by stating that he is not bothered by the outside noise and is focused on the job at hand. Rohit was appointed as the ODI skipper of the Indian team earlier this week, ahead of the team's tour of South Africa later this month. Rohit had earlier taken over as T20 captain after Kohli had decided to step down as India's captain in the shortest format. While Kohli was expected to continue leading in ODIs, his captaincy stint has been cut short by the national selectors, who believe having one captain in white-ball format will keep things simple for the Indian team. Rohit, who has also been appointed as the vice-captain in Tests, replacing Ajinkya Rahane, said he is aware of the noise outside but is not focusing on what people are talking about. "When you are playing cricket for India, the pressure is always going to be high. The pressure is always going to be there. There will be a lot of people talking about it; be it positively or negatively," Rohit said in his first interview with BCCI TV since taking over ODI captaincy. "For me, personally, as a cricketer, it is important to focus on my job and not to focus on what people are talking about because you can't control that. I have said it a million times and I will keep repeating it," he added. Rohit will not be leading India for the first time in South Africa as he has captained the team in quite a few matches in white-ball cricket. He has eight wins to his name in ten ODIs while leading Team India and has 18 wins in 22 T20Is. He had led India to Asia Cup and Nidahas Trophy triumphs in 2018. Also Read: Venkatesh Iyer set for ODI debut, likely to be named in squad for South Africa tour - Report Rohit believes there will always be pressure on the Indian team when playing in a high-profile tournament and there will be criticism from all corners but it is important for the players to trust each other and not focus on the outside noise to ensure they can perform at their level best. “This is also the same message to the team and the team understand that when we are playing a high-profile tournament, there will be a lot of talks," said Rohit. "It's just important for us to focus on what we have in hand; which is to go and win games and play the way you are known for. So, those talks outside are immaterial. What we think of each other is more important. You want to share a strong bond between players and that is what will help us achieve the goal we want to," he added..

Rohit Sharma speaks for the first time after becoming ODI skipper: 'Talks outside are immaterial'

The Board of control for cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday confirmed Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's new captain in ODIs, replacing Virat Kohli. The announcement came as a surprise to many with reports even claiming that Kohli didn't want to give up captaincy and was given an ultimatum of 48 hours to step down voluntarily but&nbsp;he didn't.

In the aftermath of the decision, reactions have been pouring in continuously from all corners with several former cricketers and experts sharing their two cents. The decision can pretty much shape up Team India's white-ball future in the next few years with a T20 World Cup and an ODI World Cup lined up to be played in the next two years.

While many had seen it coming, what surprised them was the way in which the decision was conveyed to Kohli and the fans of the Indian team. Without any explanations from the selectors, the press release simply stated that the Chetan Sharma-led panel has decided to hand over ODI captaincy to Rohit going forward.

While the jury is still out on whether the decision is the right one looking forward since Rohit is 34 and doesn't have too many years of cricket left in him at the top level, here we take a look at three reasons why his appointment might prove to be a masterstroke for the Indian team.

1) More freedom to Virat Kohli the batsman

Virat Kohli is one of the best batters of the current era and perhaps one of the greatest of all time. His consistency is immaculate&nbsp;and his hunger for success is unmatchable. However, in the past couple of years, Kohli has been far from his best and has struggled to match his own standards when it comes to batting.

He has been a&nbsp;pale shadow of himself across formats and has not scored a century for over two years now. Reliving him completely off the pressure of captaincy can help in reigniting the fire in the run-machine. It might help Kohli return to the top of his game and pile on runs at the consistency he is known for.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-guy-has-70-hundreds-former-pakistan-skipper-slams-bcci-for-sacking-virat-kohli-as-odi-captain-435764">&nbsp;'That guy has 70 hundreds': Former Pakistan skipper slams BCCI for sacking Virat Kohli as ODI captain</a>

2)&nbsp;Rohit Sharma's captaincy record is phenomenal&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma has been phenomenal as a captain for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has a great record as captain of the Indian team in a handful of matches in white-ball cricket. Rohit is the most successful skipper in the history of IPL with five titles to his name compared to Kohli's none.

He has led India in ten ODIs so far, winning eight and losing just two games. He had led the team to an Asia Cup triumph in 2018 - India's only major trophy under Ravi Shastri as the head coach of the team. In T20Is, Rohit has led the team in 22 T20Is and has 18 wins to his name as captain.

He has also proven time and again in the IPL that he is a great tactician and a calm head under pressure situations which are some qualities that can help him succeed as India's new white-ball skipper.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-succeeds-virat-kohli-sourav-ganguly-breaks-silence-as-hitman-named-indias-odi-captain-435527">Sourav Ganguly breaks silence as Rohit Sharma named India's ODI captain</a>

3) No split captaincy for India

A number of successful teams in modern-day cricket have approached Tests and white-ball formats separately with different teams and different captains in charge for the two formats. However, most teams have kept things simple when it comes to just white-ball cricket.

Australia and England both have different personnel and captain for Tests but have one captain leading the side in both ODIs and T20Is. If anything, having one captain in charge of the team in the two formats helps in maintaining stability and keeping things simple to avoid confusion going ahead in selection matters and the brand of cricket the team wants to play&nbsp;among others.

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The Board of control for cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday confirmed Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's new captain in ODIs, replacing Virat Kohli. The announcement came as a surprise to many with reports even claiming that Kohli didn't want to give up captaincy and was given an ultimatum of 48 hours to step down voluntarily but he didn't.

The Board of control for cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday confirmed Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's new captain in ODIs, replacing Virat Kohli. The announcement came as a surprise to many with reports even claiming that Kohli didn't want to give up captaincy and was given an ultimatum of 48 hours to step down voluntarily but he didn't. In the aftermath of the decision, reactions have been pouring in continuously from all corners with several former cricketers and experts sharing their two cents. The decision can pretty much shape up Team India's white-ball future in the next few years with a T20 World Cup and an ODI World Cup lined up to be played in the next two years. While many had seen it coming, what surprised them was the way in which the decision was conveyed to Kohli and the fans of the Indian team. Without any explanations from the selectors, the press release simply stated that the Chetan Sharma-led panel has decided to hand over ODI captaincy to Rohit going forward. While the jury is still out on whether the decision is the right one looking forward since Rohit is 34 and doesn't have too many years of cricket left in him at the top level, here we take a look at three reasons why his appointment might prove to be a masterstroke for the Indian team. 1) More freedom to Virat Kohli the batsman Virat Kohli is one of the best batters of the current era and perhaps one of the greatest of all time. His consistency is immaculate and his hunger for success is unmatchable. However, in the past couple of years, Kohli has been far from his best and has struggled to match his own standards when it comes to batting. He has been a pale shadow of himself across formats and has not scored a century for over two years now. Reliving him completely off the pressure of captaincy can help in reigniting the fire in the run-machine. It might help Kohli return to the top of his game and pile on runs at the consistency he is known for. Also Read: 'That guy has 70 hundreds': Former Pakistan skipper slams BCCI for sacking Virat Kohli as ODI captain 2) Rohit Sharma's captaincy record is phenomenal Rohit Sharma has been phenomenal as a captain for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has a great record as captain of the Indian team in a handful of matches in white-ball cricket. Rohit is the most successful skipper in the history of IPL with five titles to his name compared to Kohli's none. He has led India in ten ODIs so far, winning eight and losing just two games. He had led the team to an Asia Cup triumph in 2018 - India's only major trophy under Ravi Shastri as the head coach of the team. In T20Is, Rohit has led the team in 22 T20Is and has 18 wins to his name as captain. He has also proven time and again in the IPL that he is a great tactician and a calm head under pressure situations which are some qualities that can help him succeed as India's new white-ball skipper. Also Read: Sourav Ganguly breaks silence as Rohit Sharma named India's ODI captain 3) No split captaincy for India A number of successful teams in modern-day cricket have approached Tests and white-ball formats separately with different teams and different captains in charge for the two formats. However, most teams have kept things simple when it comes to just white-ball cricket. Australia and England both have different personnel and captain for Tests but have one captain leading the side in both ODIs and T20Is. If anything, having one captain in charge of the team in the two formats helps in maintaining stability and keeping things simple to avoid confusion going ahead in selection matters and the brand of cricket the team wants to play among others.

A new era! 3 reasons why Rohit Sharma's appointment as ODI captain can be a good move for Team India

Virat Kohli had announced his decision to step down as T20I captain of the Indian team even before the Men in Blue began their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli had confirmed he will relinquish captaincy in the shortest format post the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021. While he has stepped down as the T20I captain of the side, there remain doubts over his future as ODI captain of Team India.

Kohli has stepped down from the T20I captaincy but will continue to lead the team in ODIs and Tests for now. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants to relieve Kohli of the burden of captaincy in white-ball cricket and replace him with Rohit Sharma as captain in ODIs as well. Rohit was recently confirmed as Kohli's successor in T20Is.

As per a report in NDTV, the BCCI top brass is planning to have a conversation with Kohli regarding his future as ODI captain of the Indian team. "The board wants to relieve Kohli of the captaincy burden in limited-overs cricket so that he can focus on his batting and return to his dominant form," NDTV quoted sources as saying.

As per the report, Kohli can be asked to step down as the ODI captain of the Indian team as soon as the South Africa series which gets underway in January next year. KL Rahul is likely to be appointed as Rohit's deputy in the fifty-over format.

Rohit was named the captain of India's T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series at home after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021. Finalists New Zealand will travel to India for three T20Is starting from November 17. Rohit will lead the team while Kohli has been rested from the T20Is.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/where-is-shane-warne-now-gautam-gambhir-reacts-to-warners-unsportsmanlike-act-in-t20-wc-semi-final-428656">Where is Shane Warne now?&nbsp;Gambhir reacts to Warner's 'unsportsmanlike' act in T20 WC semi-final</a>

Kohli will also miss the first Test of the two-match series against Kane Williamson &amp; Co. but will return to lead the team in the second Test. BCCI announced India's Test squad for the New Zealand series on Friday, providing rest to the likes of Rohit, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Kohli (for 1 Test).

Kohli's captaincy in limited-overs formats came under the scanner after India's disappointing run in the T20 World Cup 2021 as the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals with two straight losses against Pakistan and New Zealand in the beginning of their campaign.

It remains to be seen BCCI will continue with split captaincy in limited-overs or Rohit will be handed over the charge in ODIs as well.

EXCLUSIVE! Mayank Agarwal heaps praise on coach Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, opines on PBKS journey

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Virat Kohli had announced his decision to step down as T20I captain of the Indian team even before the Men in Blue began their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Virat Kohli had announced his decision to step down as T20I captain of the Indian team even before the Men in Blue began their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli had confirmed he will relinquish captaincy in the shortest format post the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021. While he has stepped down as the T20I captain of the side, there remain doubts over his future as ODI captain of Team India. Kohli has stepped down from the T20I captaincy but will continue to lead the team in ODIs and Tests for now. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants to relieve Kohli of the burden of captaincy in white-ball cricket and replace him with Rohit Sharma as captain in ODIs as well. Rohit was recently confirmed as Kohli's successor in T20Is. As per a report in NDTV, the BCCI top brass is planning to have a conversation with Kohli regarding his future as ODI captain of the Indian team. "The board wants to relieve Kohli of the captaincy burden in limited-overs cricket so that he can focus on his batting and return to his dominant form," NDTV quoted sources as saying. As per the report, Kohli can be asked to step down as the ODI captain of the Indian team as soon as the South Africa series which gets underway in January next year. KL Rahul is likely to be appointed as Rohit's deputy in the fifty-over format. Rohit was named the captain of India's T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series at home after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021. Finalists New Zealand will travel to India for three T20Is starting from November 17. Rohit will lead the team while Kohli has been rested from the T20Is. Also Read: Where is Shane Warne now? Gambhir reacts to Warner's 'unsportsmanlike' act in T20 WC semi-final Kohli will also miss the first Test of the two-match series against Kane Williamson & Co. but will return to lead the team in the second Test. BCCI announced India's Test squad for the New Zealand series on Friday, providing rest to the likes of Rohit, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Kohli (for 1 Test). Kohli's captaincy in limited-overs formats came under the scanner after India's disappointing run in the T20 World Cup 2021 as the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals with two straight losses against Pakistan and New Zealand in the beginning of their campaign. It remains to be seen BCCI will continue with split captaincy in limited-overs or Rohit will be handed over the charge in ODIs as well. EXCLUSIVE! Mayank Agarwal heaps praise on coach Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, opines on PBKS journey ×

BCCI wants Virat Kohli to focus on batting, likely to replace him with Rohit Sharma as ODI captain - Report