Haris Rauf was one of the top performers for Babar Azam-led Team Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rauf returned with eight wickets in the showpiece event, with a best of 4 for 22 versus New Zealand. While he went wicketless and conceded at over ten per over in the semi-final clash versus eventual winners Australia, Rauf impressed overall with his raw pace.

Rauf's career took off after his maiden stint in the BBL 2019/20 season for the Glenn Maxwell-led Melbourne Stars. Not many know that the speedster was also a net bowler for Virat Kohli-led Team India during their 2018/19 tour of Australia for four Tests Down Under. Back then, he struck a chord with Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and the likes. In a recent interaction, the 28-year-old revealed that Rahul and Hardik were very happy seeing his progress and play for his country when they met him during India-Pakistan's 2021 T20 WC face-off in Dubai.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-stick-your-hand-out-and-hurt-yourself-salman-butt-slams-team-indias-poor-show-in-south-africa-odis-447218">Why stick your hand out and hurt yourself: Salman Butt slams Team India's poor show in South Africa ODIs</a>

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-better-than-india-akhtar-makes-bold-claim-predicts-men-in-green-to-win-2022-t20-wc-face-off-447142">PAK better than India: Akhtar makes bold claim, predicts Men in Green to win 2022 T20 WC face-off</a>

Talking to&nbsp;paktv.tv&nbsp;recently Rauf recalled the interaction he had with Rahul and Hardik and said, "When I was net bowler for India, I had bowled to them in Sydney in the nets. So I had told them once that I would one day bowl to them in an international game. And both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul had told me that I have the potential to bowl at international level. They gave me a lot of confidence."

"Then when I met them recently at the T20 World Cup, they remembered all our conversations. We had a discussion over it as well and they were really happy for me watching me play for Pakistan. When you play with good players you learn all the good things. I always try to learn good things from such players," he further added.

Rauf returned with 1 for 25 in Pakistan's 10-wicket win over India in the 2021 T20 WC. He debuted for the Men in Green during early 2020, in a T20I versus Bangladesh. So far, he&nbsp;has impressed one and all in his 34 T20Is, taking 41 wickets at an economy rate of&nbsp;8.44. In addition, he has represented Pakistan in 8 ODIs, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of less than 6.

Haris Rauf was one of the top performers for Babar Azam-led Team Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rauf returned with eight wickets in the showpiece event, with a best of 4 for 22 versus New Zealand.

Haris Rauf was one of the top performers for Babar Azam-led Team Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. Rauf returned with eight wickets in the showpiece event, with a best of 4 for 22 versus New Zealand. While he went wicketless and conceded at over ten per over in the semi-final clash versus eventual winners Australia, Rauf impressed overall with his raw pace. Rauf's career took off after his maiden stint in the BBL 2019/20 season for the Glenn Maxwell-led Melbourne Stars. Not many know that the speedster was also a net bowler for Virat Kohli-led Team India during their 2018/19 tour of Australia for four Tests Down Under. Back then, he struck a chord with Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and the likes. In a recent interaction, the 28-year-old revealed that Rahul and Hardik were very happy seeing his progress and play for his country when they met him during India-Pakistan's 2021 T20 WC face-off in Dubai. ALSO READ | Why stick your hand out and hurt yourself: Salman Butt slams Team India's poor show in South Africa ODIs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Haris Rauf (@harisraufofficial) × ALSO READ | PAK better than India: Akhtar makes bold claim, predicts Men in Green to win 2022 T20 WC face-off Talking to paktv.tv recently Rauf recalled the interaction he had with Rahul and Hardik and said, "When I was net bowler for India, I had bowled to them in Sydney in the nets. So I had told them once that I would one day bowl to them in an international game. And both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul had told me that I have the potential to bowl at international level. They gave me a lot of confidence." "Then when I met them recently at the T20 World Cup, they remembered all our conversations. We had a discussion over it as well and they were really happy for me watching me play for Pakistan. When you play with good players you learn all the good things. I always try to learn good things from such players," he further added. Rauf returned with 1 for 25 in Pakistan's 10-wicket win over India in the 2021 T20 WC. He debuted for the Men in Green during early 2020, in a T20I versus Bangladesh. So far, he has impressed one and all in his 34 T20Is, taking 41 wickets at an economy rate of 8.44. In addition, he has represented Pakistan in 8 ODIs, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of less than 6.

Rahul, Hardik were really happy watching me play in T20 WC: Pak pacer recalls his time as India's net bowler

Team India ended a torrid tour of South Africa on Sunday (January 23). While the Test series was evenly-contested, which the visitors lost 2-1, the Men in Blue were expected to beat the rather inexperienced Temba Bavuma-led Proteas in the preceding three ODIs despite missing regular limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma.

Nonetheless, the KL Rahul-led Indian team lost 3-0, repeating the same mistakes in every game to finish off a forgettable ODI series. Talking about the third and final ODI, India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Prasidh Krishna's 3 for 59 and two wickets each from Deepak Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah dismissed the South Africans for 287 in 49.5 overs, courtesy Quinton de Kock's 124.

In reply, Rahul &amp; Co. were dismissed for 283 49.2 overs despite fighting fifties from Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Chahar. Reflecting on Team India's dismal showing in the three ODIs, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt slammed Rahul &amp; Co. for their ordinary performances, criticising the middle-order batters, team selection, etc.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hes-batting-on-a-different-planet-dinesh-karthik-backs-indian-star-urges-team-india-to-give-him-a-long-rope-447167">He's batting on a different planet: Dinesh Karthik backs Indian star, urges Team India to give him a long rope</a>

Butt said on his Youtube channel, "This is just sad. Despite being such a good team, losing all three matches to a relatively inexperienced side playing without a couple of their main pacers makes for a really sad scenario. The noise surrounding certain topics will only increase after all this."

Butt pointed out that the&nbsp;decision-making was poor in the entire ODIs and claimed, "Let things go on as they were. Why stick your hand out and hurt yourself? You made unnecessary and unreasonable changes. The team selection has been questionable. On this tour where Pant played some outstanding knocks, he also played some shots that held no logical reasoning."

"The selection of the bowling line-up was also very poor. If you have guys who can clock 140 kph, then what are you doing by playing Bhuvneshwar [Kumar] and Shardul Thakur. Moreover, the keeper was standing up the pacers This is not England where you can trap the batters on a wet pitch by bringing the wicketkeeper up to the medium pacers. These are questions that will have to be answered by the team management and the selectors," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/difficult-journeys-help-you-grow-kl-rahul-pens-emotional-note-after-indias-3-0-series-loss-vs-south-africa-447198">'Difficult journeys help you grow': KL Rahul pens emotional note after India's 3-0 series loss vs South Africa</a>

Butt mentioned few positives for India from the third and final ODI before stating that the middle-order lacks serious depth. "If you look at the good parts then Deepak Chahar bowled and batted well, and he single-handedly brought India close to victory. Before that, Suryakumar Yadav also batted well. He was set and if he continued to play calmly, then India would have won. He also got out to false shot. There was no need to play such an extravagant shot. The shot he got out to was not a good option and India eventually paid the price for it."

"We got to see one fault shot after another at a time when they were least needed. That's the main reason for their downfall. Moreover, batters didn't capitalise after getting set. Not many large scores were made in this series. India has been top-class sin chasing especially when Virat Kohli plays long. But their middle-order does not have depth," he concluded.

Team India ended a torrid tour of South Africa on Sunday (January 23). While the Test series was evenly-contested, which the visitors lost 2-1, the Men in Blue were expected to beat the rather inexperienced Temba Bavuma-led Proteas in the preceding three ODIs despite missing regular limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma.

Team India ended a torrid tour of South Africa on Sunday (January 23). While the Test series was evenly-contested, which the visitors lost 2-1, the Men in Blue were expected to beat the rather inexperienced Temba Bavuma-led Proteas in the preceding three ODIs despite missing regular limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma. Nonetheless, the KL Rahul-led Indian team lost 3-0, repeating the same mistakes in every game to finish off a forgettable ODI series. Talking about the third and final ODI, India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Prasidh Krishna's 3 for 59 and two wickets each from Deepak Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah dismissed the South Africans for 287 in 49.5 overs, courtesy Quinton de Kock's 124. In reply, Rahul & Co. were dismissed for 283 49.2 overs despite fighting fifties from Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Chahar. Reflecting on Team India's dismal showing in the three ODIs, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt slammed Rahul & Co. for their ordinary performances, criticising the middle-order batters, team selection, etc. ALSO READ | He's batting on a different planet: Dinesh Karthik backs Indian star, urges Team India to give him a long rope Butt said on his Youtube channel, "This is just sad. Despite being such a good team, losing all three matches to a relatively inexperienced side playing without a couple of their main pacers makes for a really sad scenario. The noise surrounding certain topics will only increase after all this." Butt pointed out that the decision-making was poor in the entire ODIs and claimed, "Let things go on as they were. Why stick your hand out and hurt yourself? You made unnecessary and unreasonable changes. The team selection has been questionable. On this tour where Pant played some outstanding knocks, he also played some shots that held no logical reasoning." "The selection of the bowling line-up was also very poor. If you have guys who can clock 140 kph, then what are you doing by playing Bhuvneshwar [Kumar] and Shardul Thakur. Moreover, the keeper was standing up the pacers This is not England where you can trap the batters on a wet pitch by bringing the wicketkeeper up to the medium pacers. These are questions that will have to be answered by the team management and the selectors," he added. ALSO READ | 'Difficult journeys help you grow': KL Rahul pens emotional note after India's 3-0 series loss vs South Africa Butt mentioned few positives for India from the third and final ODI before stating that the middle-order lacks serious depth. "If you look at the good parts then Deepak Chahar bowled and batted well, and he single-handedly brought India close to victory. Before that, Suryakumar Yadav also batted well. He was set and if he continued to play calmly, then India would have won. He also got out to false shot. There was no need to play such an extravagant shot. The shot he got out to was not a good option and India eventually paid the price for it." "We got to see one fault shot after another at a time when they were least needed. That's the main reason for their downfall. Moreover, batters didn't capitalise after getting set. Not many large scores were made in this series. India has been top-class sin chasing especially when Virat Kohli plays long. But their middle-order does not have depth," he concluded.

Why stick your hand out and hurt yourself: Salman Butt slams Team India's poor show in South Africa ODIs

Team India ended a torrid tour of South Africa on Sunday (January 23). After winning the tour opener, i.e. the Centurion Test, everything went downhill for the visitors. India missed the services of regular captain Virat Kohli for the second and penultimate Test -- at The Wanderers, Johannesburg -- due to upper back spasm and lost the plot from thereon.

Under KL Rahul, India lost their first-ever Test in J'burg. The series was levelled ahead of the Test series finale, where Kohli returned to the playing XI but failed to take India to a maiden series win in whites in the rainbow nation. India lost the Tests 2-1 and went onto lose the preceding three ODIs 3-0. Amid all this, Kohli stepped down as the Test captain -- after having been sacked as the ODI skipper and resigning as T20I captain last year.

Ahead of India's next Test series, i.e. a two-match series versus Sri Lanka at home before IPL 15, the national selectors have a tough ask to name the next captain in the red-ball format. Former Aussie spinner Shane Warne has named who should take over from Kohli in whites.

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While there are four names doing the rounds&nbsp;for the Test captaincy spot -- KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant -- Warne has ruled out Pant's name. The spin wizard feels Bumrah can be the next Test captain.

“India are very lucky that they have got so many different options and people that could captain the team. For me, Jasprit Bumrah could do it but I think Rohit for the next couple of years and have him (Bumrah) as deputy. I don’t like a wicketkeeper as captain. I think a wicketkeeper makes a good vice-captain and deputies, never captain. So that is how I see it but India have got plenty of options. Rahane would be fantastic but his form just has just slipped a little lately. We saw what a terrific job he did in Australia last season when Virat went home. We know he can do a terrific job in the Test area. He just needs to make sure he is making runs,” Warne told Hindustan Times in an interview arranged by BookMyShow stream, the platform which premiers the spinner's documentary film ‘Shane’.

Warne, however, opened up on Pant and his batting approach. For the unversed, Pant played two good knocks in the just-concluded SA tour -- including a Test ton and a gritty 85 in the second ODI -- but drew criticism for his shot selection in India's second innings of the J''burg Test and the tour finale (i.e. the third ODI). In this regard, Warne said, "Do not change. Do not change, Rishabh Pant. He is my favourite cricketer. Let him keep playing the way he plays. The only statement I would say to Rishabh Pant… ‘All he needs to ask himself all the time is… what does the team need me to do right now? He asks himself that question and he will play the right way. Look, I hope no one changes Rishabh Pant. Just play the way you play because he is exciting and he is great to watch. I love him."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-shastri-feels-pant-should-be-kept-in-mind-for-leadership-goes-ahead-with-senior-pro-as-next-test-captain-447086">Ravi Shastri feels Pant should be kept in mind for leadership, goes ahead with senior pro as next Test captain</a>

While Bumrah is also an option for Test captaincy, Rohit is the strongest contender to be the next skipper. He is already the limited-overs captain and can be asked to take up the same role in whites for a brief period, grooming his successor. As Bumrah doesn't feature in majority of India's home Tests, he might lose the battle to his IPL skipper Rohit.

Team India ended a torrid tour of South Africa on Sunday (January 23). After winning the tour opener, i.e. the Centurion Test, everything went downhill for the visitors.

Team India ended a torrid tour of South Africa on Sunday (January 23). After winning the tour opener, i.e. the Centurion Test, everything went downhill for the visitors. India missed the services of regular captain Virat Kohli for the second and penultimate Test -- at The Wanderers, Johannesburg -- due to upper back spasm and lost the plot from thereon. Under KL Rahul, India lost their first-ever Test in J'burg. The series was levelled ahead of the Test series finale, where Kohli returned to the playing XI but failed to take India to a maiden series win in whites in the rainbow nation. India lost the Tests 2-1 and went onto lose the preceding three ODIs 3-0. Amid all this, Kohli stepped down as the Test captain -- after having been sacked as the ODI skipper and resigning as T20I captain last year. Ahead of India's next Test series, i.e. a two-match series versus Sri Lanka at home before IPL 15, the national selectors have a tough ask to name the next captain in the red-ball format. Former Aussie spinner Shane Warne has named who should take over from Kohli in whites. ALSO READ | Shoaib Akhtar makes bizarre statement about Virat Kohli: Would not have married if I were in his place While there are four names doing the rounds for the Test captaincy spot -- KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant -- Warne has ruled out Pant's name. The spin wizard feels Bumrah can be the next Test captain. “India are very lucky that they have got so many different options and people that could captain the team. For me, Jasprit Bumrah could do it but I think Rohit for the next couple of years and have him (Bumrah) as deputy. I don’t like a wicketkeeper as captain. I think a wicketkeeper makes a good vice-captain and deputies, never captain. So that is how I see it but India have got plenty of options. Rahane would be fantastic but his form just has just slipped a little lately. We saw what a terrific job he did in Australia last season when Virat went home. We know he can do a terrific job in the Test area. He just needs to make sure he is making runs,” Warne told Hindustan Times in an interview arranged by BookMyShow stream, the platform which premiers the spinner's documentary film ‘Shane’. Warne, however, opened up on Pant and his batting approach. For the unversed, Pant played two good knocks in the just-concluded SA tour -- including a Test ton and a gritty 85 in the second ODI -- but drew criticism for his shot selection in India's second innings of the J''burg Test and the tour finale (i.e. the third ODI). In this regard, Warne said, "Do not change. Do not change, Rishabh Pant. He is my favourite cricketer. Let him keep playing the way he plays. The only statement I would say to Rishabh Pant… ‘All he needs to ask himself all the time is… what does the team need me to do right now? He asks himself that question and he will play the right way. Look, I hope no one changes Rishabh Pant. Just play the way you play because he is exciting and he is great to watch. I love him." ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri feels Pant should be kept in mind for leadership, goes ahead with senior pro as next Test captain While Bumrah is also an option for Test captaincy, Rohit is the strongest contender to be the next skipper. He is already the limited-overs captain and can be asked to take up the same role in whites for a brief period, grooming his successor. As Bumrah doesn't feature in majority of India's home Tests, he might lose the battle to his IPL skipper Rohit.

Don’t like wicketkeeper as captain: Not Pant! Shane Warne suggests who should be India's next Test captain

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels Babar Azam-led Men in Green will be able to beat Team India in this year's Men's T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia. On January 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the full schedule for the mega event, which will begin on October 16 with the main draw commencing on October 22.

In the main draw of the showpiece event, India and Pakistan are once again placed in the same group (i.e. Pool 2). The two sides will face each other in their respective tournament-openers, on October 23, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. After Men in Green defeated Virat Kohli-led India in the 2021 T20 WC, in Dubai, Akhtar feels Babar &amp; Co. will be able to make it two World Cup wins in a row over their arch-rivals.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-reveals-full-schedule-for-2022-t20-world-cup-rohit-sharmas-team-india-to-begin-campaign-vs-pakistan-446363">ICC reveals full schedule for 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma's Team India to begin campaign vs Pakistan</a>

"We will beat India again in Melbourne. Pakistan is a better side than India in T20 cricket. It's the Indian media that make unnecessary pressure on their team whenever we have the clash of both countries in cricket, it's normal for India to lose," Akhtar told news agency&nbsp;ANI.&nbsp;

During the 2021 T20 WC, Babar-led Pakistan hammered India by 10 wickets to win their first-ever game versus their neighbours in World Cup history. Opting to bowl first, Shaheen Afridi's three-fer had restricted India to 151-7. In reply, fifties from both Babar and Md Rizwan ensured a massive win for Team Pakistan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-has-a-big-task-ahead-has-to-prove-he-is-not-an-overrated-coach-shoaib-akhtar-446926">Rahul Dravid has a big task ahead, has to prove he is not an overrated coach: Shoaib Akhtar</a>

Talking about India, Pakistan-starrer Pool 2, it also comprises Bangladesh, South Africa whereas two more teams will join from the qualifiers. Pool 1 comprises Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan and England. They will also see two more sides joining form the qualifying round.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels Babar Azam-led Men in Green will be able to beat Team India in this year's Men's T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels Babar Azam-led Men in Green will be able to beat Team India in this year's Men's T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia. On January 21, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the full schedule for the mega event, which will begin on October 16 with the main draw commencing on October 22. In the main draw of the showpiece event, India and Pakistan are once again placed in the same group (i.e. Pool 2). The two sides will face each other in their respective tournament-openers, on October 23, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. After Men in Green defeated Virat Kohli-led India in the 2021 T20 WC, in Dubai, Akhtar feels Babar & Co. will be able to make it two World Cup wins in a row over their arch-rivals. ALSO READ | ICC reveals full schedule for 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma's Team India to begin campaign vs Pakistan "We will beat India again in Melbourne. Pakistan is a better side than India in T20 cricket. It's the Indian media that make unnecessary pressure on their team whenever we have the clash of both countries in cricket, it's normal for India to lose," Akhtar told news agency ANI. During the 2021 T20 WC, Babar-led Pakistan hammered India by 10 wickets to win their first-ever game versus their neighbours in World Cup history. Opting to bowl first, Shaheen Afridi's three-fer had restricted India to 151-7. In reply, fifties from both Babar and Md Rizwan ensured a massive win for Team Pakistan. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid has a big task ahead, has to prove he is not an overrated coach: Shoaib Akhtar Talking about India, Pakistan-starrer Pool 2, it also comprises Bangladesh, South Africa whereas two more teams will join from the qualifiers. Pool 1 comprises Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan and England. They will also see two more sides joining form the qualifying round.

PAK better than India: Akhtar makes bold claim, predicts Men in Green to win 2022 T20 WC face-off

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is known for his controversial comments and outspoken nature. He has often found himself in the centre of controversy over his comments. Akhtar recently made a bizarre&nbsp;statement on former Indian captain Virat Kohli while speaking about his ongoing rough patch in international cricket and his decision to quit as India's Test captain.

Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters of the current era, has not been on top of his game for a while now and has struggled to match the standards he has set for himself with his consistent performances in the past. The batting maestro has not scored an international century since 2019 and has been looking to bring an end to the long-standing sought.

Kohli had left India's T20I captaincy last year before being replaced as the ODI captain of the team by Rohit Sharma. He quit as the Test captain of the Indian team earlier this month and is now playing as a pure batter for the national side. Akhtar made a bizarre comment on Kohli's recent struggles suggesting that he shouldn't have gotten married so early in his career.

Akhtar said he would never have married had he been in Kohli's place ad that the pressure of marriage and family can take a toll on a player's performance for his team.

"Virat captained for 6-7 years and I was never in favour of his captaincy, I just wanted him to keep scoring 100-120 runs and keep the focus on his batting," Akhtar said speaking to Dainik Jagran.

"I would have not even married if I were in his place. I had just scored runs and enjoyed cricket, these 10-12 years of cricket are different time and doesn't come again, I am not saying getting married is wrong but If you are playing for India, you would have enjoyed a time a little. fans are crazy about Kohli and he had to maintain that love he is getting for the last 20 years," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lot-of-people-wouldnt-have-been-able-to-digest-virat-kohli-reaching-50-60-wins-as-test-captain-ravi-shastri-446945">Lot of people wouldn't have been able to digest&nbsp;Kohli reaching 50-60 wins as Test captain: Ravi Shastri</a>

Akhtar explained how a cricketer has a very short career span and their peak years can be anywhere between 5 to 6. The former Pakistan pacer claimed Kohli's peak has passed already and that now he will have to struggle to continue producing consistent performances for his team.

"Absolutely it does [the pressure of marriage, captaincy affect cricket]. There is pressure from the children, of the family. As the responsibility increases, so does the pressure. Cricketers have a short career span of 14-15 years in which you stay at the peak for five-six years. Those years of Virat have passed, now he has to struggle," said Akhtar.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/respect-their-privacy-netizens-react-as-video-of-virat-kohli-anushka-sharmas-daughter-goes-viral-446979">&nbsp;'Respect their privacy': Netizens react as video of Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma's daughter goes viral</a>

Kohli had tied the knot with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma in the year 2017. The star couple was blessed with a daughter in January last year. Kohli's on-field performances remained top-notch even after his marriage and the Indian captain continues to be one of the best batters in the world at present despite having struggled for consistency in the last couple of years.

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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is known for his controversial comments and outspoken nature. He has often found himself in the centre of controversy over his comments.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is known for his controversial comments and outspoken nature. He has often found himself in the centre of controversy over his comments. Akhtar recently made a bizarre statement on former Indian captain Virat Kohli while speaking about his ongoing rough patch in international cricket and his decision to quit as India's Test captain. Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batters of the current era, has not been on top of his game for a while now and has struggled to match the standards he has set for himself with his consistent performances in the past. The batting maestro has not scored an international century since 2019 and has been looking to bring an end to the long-standing sought. Kohli had left India's T20I captaincy last year before being replaced as the ODI captain of the team by Rohit Sharma. He quit as the Test captain of the Indian team earlier this month and is now playing as a pure batter for the national side. Akhtar made a bizarre comment on Kohli's recent struggles suggesting that he shouldn't have gotten married so early in his career. Akhtar said he would never have married had he been in Kohli's place ad that the pressure of marriage and family can take a toll on a player's performance for his team. "Virat captained for 6-7 years and I was never in favour of his captaincy, I just wanted him to keep scoring 100-120 runs and keep the focus on his batting," Akhtar said speaking to Dainik Jagran. "I would have not even married if I were in his place. I had just scored runs and enjoyed cricket, these 10-12 years of cricket are different time and doesn't come again, I am not saying getting married is wrong but If you are playing for India, you would have enjoyed a time a little. fans are crazy about Kohli and he had to maintain that love he is getting for the last 20 years," he added. Also Read: Lot of people wouldn't have been able to digest Kohli reaching 50-60 wins as Test captain: Ravi Shastri Akhtar explained how a cricketer has a very short career span and their peak years can be anywhere between 5 to 6. The former Pakistan pacer claimed Kohli's peak has passed already and that now he will have to struggle to continue producing consistent performances for his team. "Absolutely it does [the pressure of marriage, captaincy affect cricket]. There is pressure from the children, of the family. As the responsibility increases, so does the pressure. Cricketers have a short career span of 14-15 years in which you stay at the peak for five-six years. Those years of Virat have passed, now he has to struggle," said Akhtar. Also Read: 'Respect their privacy': Netizens react as video of Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma's daughter goes viral Kohli had tied the knot with Bollywood star Anushka Sharma in the year 2017. The star couple was blessed with a daughter in January last year. Kohli's on-field performances remained top-notch even after his marriage and the Indian captain continues to be one of the best batters in the world at present despite having struggled for consistency in the last couple of years.

Shoaib Akhtar makes bizarre statement about Virat Kohli: Would not have married if I were in his place

On January 15, Virat Kohli stepped down as the Indian Test captain. This came as a shocker for the whole cricketing fraternity, given the 33-year-old led India with great success in the red-ball format. Kohli's decision came on the following day after India had lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the African nation.

With him stepping down as the Test captain, Kohli's overall captaincy tenure for Team India also came to an end. Talking about Kohli's credentials as a captain in the purest format, he led India to their maiden Test series win in Australia, ensured an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom in mid-2021 and to the inaugural WTC final. In addition, India were dominant at home under his leadership skills.

Kohli's successor, thus, has huge shoes to fill in. Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri feels Rohit Sharma, who is already the limited-overs captain, should take over as the Test captain as well, with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant being groomed under him.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lot-of-people-wouldnt-have-been-able-to-digest-virat-kohli-reaching-50-60-wins-as-test-captain-ravi-shastri-446945">Lot of people wouldn't have been able to digest Virat Kohli reaching 50-60 wins as Test captain: Ravi Shastri</a>

Former Indian coach Shastri has suggested Rohit's name as the successor and called him the natural choice, with him already being the vice-captain in whites.&nbsp;

"If Rohit is fit, why can't he be the captain in Tests too. He was appointed vice-captain for the South Africa series but he couldn't go there because of injuries. So why not, if he was made the vice-captain, why can't he be promoted to captaincy,"&nbsp;Shastri said to&nbsp;India Today.&nbsp;

"Rohit's vice-captain has to be seen. Rahul Dravid has to see who that person could be because that player has to be a certainty in the playing XI. I think, why name the vice-captain at all? Decide on the tour who is the most experienced player, who is playing well. You announce your vice-captain in advance, and later you realise that your vice-captain doesn't fit in your XI," stated the ex-Indian head coach and all-rounder.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-has-a-big-task-ahead-has-to-prove-he-is-not-an-overrated-coach-shoaib-akhtar-446926">Rahul Dravid has a big task ahead, has to prove he is not an overrated coach: Shoaib Akhtar</a>

Shastri opined on Pant and claimed he can be looked upon as a future captain. "Rishabh is a tremendous young player. As a coach, I was very fond of him, his attitude and the good thing about him was that he would always listen to you. A lot of people say, he always does what he wants but that's not true. He reads the game well and would always put my team effort first than self. So he should always be kept in mind for leadership," said Shastri.&nbsp;

India's next assignment in the red-ball format is versus Sri Lanka at home, in February-March. Before that, the national selectors will have to take a call and name the next Test captain. Some other contenders are Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul or R Ashwin.

On January 15, Virat Kohli stepped down as the Indian Test captain. This came as a shocker for the whole cricketing fraternity, given the 33-year-old led India with great success in the red-ball format.

On January 15, Virat Kohli stepped down as the Indian Test captain. This came as a shocker for the whole cricketing fraternity, given the 33-year-old led India with great success in the red-ball format. Kohli's decision came on the following day after India had lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the African nation. With him stepping down as the Test captain, Kohli's overall captaincy tenure for Team India also came to an end. Talking about Kohli's credentials as a captain in the purest format, he led India to their maiden Test series win in Australia, ensured an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom in mid-2021 and to the inaugural WTC final. In addition, India were dominant at home under his leadership skills. Kohli's successor, thus, has huge shoes to fill in. Ex-head coach Ravi Shastri feels Rohit Sharma, who is already the limited-overs captain, should take over as the Test captain as well, with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant being groomed under him. ALSO READ | Lot of people wouldn't have been able to digest Virat Kohli reaching 50-60 wins as Test captain: Ravi Shastri Former Indian coach Shastri has suggested Rohit's name as the successor and called him the natural choice, with him already being the vice-captain in whites. "If Rohit is fit, why can't he be the captain in Tests too. He was appointed vice-captain for the South Africa series but he couldn't go there because of injuries. So why not, if he was made the vice-captain, why can't he be promoted to captaincy," Shastri said to India Today. "Rohit's vice-captain has to be seen. Rahul Dravid has to see who that person could be because that player has to be a certainty in the playing XI. I think, why name the vice-captain at all? Decide on the tour who is the most experienced player, who is playing well. You announce your vice-captain in advance, and later you realise that your vice-captain doesn't fit in your XI," stated the ex-Indian head coach and all-rounder. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid has a big task ahead, has to prove he is not an overrated coach: Shoaib Akhtar Shastri opined on Pant and claimed he can be looked upon as a future captain. "Rishabh is a tremendous young player. As a coach, I was very fond of him, his attitude and the good thing about him was that he would always listen to you. A lot of people say, he always does what he wants but that's not true. He reads the game well and would always put my team effort first than self. So he should always be kept in mind for leadership," said Shastri. India's next assignment in the red-ball format is versus Sri Lanka at home, in February-March. Before that, the national selectors will have to take a call and name the next Test captain. Some other contenders are Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul or R Ashwin.

Ravi Shastri feels Pant should be kept in mind for leadership, goes ahead with senior pro as next Test captain

Virat Kohli was left stunned on the other end as Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant threw his wicket away playing a rash shot in the third ODI against South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday (January 24). Recently, Kohli had defended Pant after he was criticised for his poor shot selection during the Test series against the Proteas.

However, Pant, who is known for his swashbuckling and aggressive style of batting, ended up making the same mistake once again. Pant came out to bat at number four after India lost Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on 116 runs in the 23rd over while chasing a challenging target of 288 runs. Pant went for a big shot the very first ball he faced from Andile Phehlukwayo and ended up paying the price.

It was an unnecessary rash shot from the left-hander, who has been often criticised for his poor shot selection for the Indian team. Pant was caught in the deep by Sisanda Magala as he was sent packing on a duck on the very first ball he faced in the game. Kohli, who was batting at the other end, was left stunned and gave a deadly stare to Pant after yet another casual error.

Kohli's reaction to Pant throwing his wicket away with a poor shot soon went viral on social media with fans criticising the left-hander for not valuing his wicket when playing for the country.

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Virat Kohli 's reaction itself describes Rishabh pant's bad performance today ....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSAF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KLRahul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KLRahul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCCIPolitics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCCIPolitics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/captaincy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#captaincy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ODI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ODI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whitewash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whitewash</a> <a href="https://t.co/VJuFeZLo5j">pic.twitter.com/VJuFeZLo5j</a>
— sandeep ratna (@Vicharofsandeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vicharofsandeep/status/1485308701082857482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Virat Kohli gave a stare to Rishabh Pant after he got out <a href="https://t.co/1zS6DABSw8">pic.twitter.com/1zS6DABSw8</a>
— India Fantasy (@india_fantasy) <a href="https://twitter.com/india_fantasy/status/1485263189596307460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-is-just-starting-out-rahul-dravid-defends-kl-rahuls-captaincy-after-3-0-whitewash-against-south-africa-447056">'He is just starting out': Rahul Dravid defends KL Rahul's captaincy after 3-0 whitewash against South Africa</a>

India were reduced to 118/3 after Pant's dismissal in the same over as Dhawan before Kohli, who played a fine knock of 65 runs off 84 balls, added a 38-run stand for the 4th wicket with Shreyas Iyer (26). Suryakumar Yadav scored 39 off 32 balls but the middle-order once again failed to deliver.

Deepak Chahar then came up with a sensational cameo of 34-ball 54 to keep India in the race till the end but his efforts went in vain as the visitors fell short by 4 runs to lose the game and concede the ODI series 3-0. India had earlier lost the Test series against South Africa 2-1.

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Virat Kohli was left stunned on the other end as Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant threw his wicket away playing a rash shot in the third ODI against South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday (January 24).

Virat Kohli was left stunned on the other end as Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant threw his wicket away playing a rash shot in the third ODI against South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday (January 24). Recently, Kohli had defended Pant after he was criticised for his poor shot selection during the Test series against the Proteas. However, Pant, who is known for his swashbuckling and aggressive style of batting, ended up making the same mistake once again. Pant came out to bat at number four after India lost Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on 116 runs in the 23rd over while chasing a challenging target of 288 runs. Pant went for a big shot the very first ball he faced from Andile Phehlukwayo and ended up paying the price. It was an unnecessary rash shot from the left-hander, who has been often criticised for his poor shot selection for the Indian team. Pant was caught in the deep by Sisanda Magala as he was sent packing on a duck on the very first ball he faced in the game. Kohli, who was batting at the other end, was left stunned and gave a deadly stare to Pant after yet another casual error. Kohli's reaction to Pant throwing his wicket away with a poor shot soon went viral on social media with fans criticising the left-hander for not valuing his wicket when playing for the country. Virat Kohli 's reaction itself describes Rishabh pant's bad performance today ....#Kohli #INDvsSAF #INDvsSA #KLRahul #CricketTwitter #BCCIPolitics #KingKohli #captaincy #ODI #whitewash pic.twitter.com/VJuFeZLo5j — sandeep ratna (@Vicharofsandeep) January 23, 2022 × Virat Kohli gave a stare to Rishabh Pant after he got out pic.twitter.com/1zS6DABSw8 — India Fantasy (@india_fantasy) January 23, 2022 × Also Read: 'He is just starting out': Rahul Dravid defends KL Rahul's captaincy after 3-0 whitewash against South Africa India were reduced to 118/3 after Pant's dismissal in the same over as Dhawan before Kohli, who played a fine knock of 65 runs off 84 balls, added a 38-run stand for the 4th wicket with Shreyas Iyer (26). Suryakumar Yadav scored 39 off 32 balls but the middle-order once again failed to deliver. Deepak Chahar then came up with a sensational cameo of 34-ball 54 to keep India in the race till the end but his efforts went in vain as the visitors fell short by 4 runs to lose the game and concede the ODI series 3-0. India had earlier lost the Test series against South Africa 2-1.

Virat Kohli gives deadly stare to Rishabh Pant after he throws away his wicket for a duck in 3rd ODI - WATCH

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has shared his views on Virat Kohli's decision to quit as India's Test captain which had left the cricket fraternity in shock last week. Akhtar believes India's disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup last year led to Kohli losing captaincy across all three formats of the game.

While Kohli had announced last year that he will be stepping down as India's T20I captain following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 last year, he was later replaced as ODI captain by Rohit Sharma. He decided to give up Test captaincy last week after India's 2-1 defeat in the three-match Test series against South Africa.

In a matter of a few months, Kohli went from being the captain of the Indian team across all three formats to being part of the team just as a pure batter. Akhtar said he was aware that Kohli would have landed in trouble had India not done well at the T20 World Cup 2021. He also suggested that there are people who are against the former India captain.

"It was a tight scenario for Virat. I was in Dubai and I was aware that if he wouldn't have won the T20 World Cup, it would have become a big problem for him and it did happen. There are lobbies against him and there are people against him and that is the reason why he stepped down," Akhtar was quoted as saying by India Today.

India had failed to qualify for the knockout stage of the T20 World Cup 2021 after suffering back-to-back defeats in their first two games against Pakistan and New Zealand respectively. It was a disappointing show from the Men in Blue, who were one of the favourites to win the competition. Akhtar said these are testing times for Kohli and he needs to come out of it strongly.

"Whoever enjoys the star status, will always face problems but there's nothing to fear about. Anushka (Kohli's wife) is a very nice lady and Virat is a great guy. He just needs to be brave and not be afraid of anything. The whole country loves him, just that these are testing times for him and he needs to come strongly out of it," said the former Pakistan pacer.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-intensity-in-kl-rahuls-captaincy-virat-kohli-looks-disconnected-ex-pak-spinner-after-indias-poor-show-446686">No intensity in Rahul's captaincy, Virat Kohli looks disconnected: Ex-Pak spinner after India's poor show</a>

One of the greatest fast bowlers in the world, Akhtar has urged Kohli to enhance his value as a batter and enjoy his game. The Rawalpindi Express also advised the former Indian captain to channelise his anger in improving his performances on the pitch rather than showing it towards people.

"Now that he is off the hook, he just has to make sure that he enjoys his cricket. He is great and he should know that. He just has to enhance his value. He should know that he can't be imprisoned of his own bitterness. He should forget and forgive people and will become an even better human." Akhtar said.&nbsp;

"If he can give good performances in the next five-six months, he will be happy to have quit captaincy and would tell himself that he can score 120 international hundreds. His next 50 centuries will be because of the anger that he has now. And, this anger does not have to be reflected on people but in his batting," he added.

&nbsp;

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has shared his views on Virat Kohli's decision to quit as India's Test captain which had left the cricket fraternity in shock last week.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has shared his views on Virat Kohli's decision to quit as India's Test captain which had left the cricket fraternity in shock last week. Akhtar believes India's disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup last year led to Kohli losing captaincy across all three formats of the game. While Kohli had announced last year that he will be stepping down as India's T20I captain following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 last year, he was later replaced as ODI captain by Rohit Sharma. He decided to give up Test captaincy last week after India's 2-1 defeat in the three-match Test series against South Africa. In a matter of a few months, Kohli went from being the captain of the Indian team across all three formats to being part of the team just as a pure batter. Akhtar said he was aware that Kohli would have landed in trouble had India not done well at the T20 World Cup 2021. He also suggested that there are people who are against the former India captain. "It was a tight scenario for Virat. I was in Dubai and I was aware that if he wouldn't have won the T20 World Cup, it would have become a big problem for him and it did happen. There are lobbies against him and there are people against him and that is the reason why he stepped down," Akhtar was quoted as saying by India Today. India had failed to qualify for the knockout stage of the T20 World Cup 2021 after suffering back-to-back defeats in their first two games against Pakistan and New Zealand respectively. It was a disappointing show from the Men in Blue, who were one of the favourites to win the competition. Akhtar said these are testing times for Kohli and he needs to come out of it strongly. "Whoever enjoys the star status, will always face problems but there's nothing to fear about. Anushka (Kohli's wife) is a very nice lady and Virat is a great guy. He just needs to be brave and not be afraid of anything. The whole country loves him, just that these are testing times for him and he needs to come strongly out of it," said the former Pakistan pacer. Also Read: No intensity in Rahul's captaincy, Virat Kohli looks disconnected: Ex-Pak spinner after India's poor show One of the greatest fast bowlers in the world, Akhtar has urged Kohli to enhance his value as a batter and enjoy his game. The Rawalpindi Express also advised the former Indian captain to channelise his anger in improving his performances on the pitch rather than showing it towards people. "Now that he is off the hook, he just has to make sure that he enjoys his cricket. He is great and he should know that. He just has to enhance his value. He should know that he can't be imprisoned of his own bitterness. He should forget and forgive people and will become an even better human." Akhtar said. "If he can give good performances in the next five-six months, he will be happy to have quit captaincy and would tell himself that he can score 120 international hundreds. His next 50 centuries will be because of the anger that he has now. And, this anger does not have to be reflected on people but in his batting," he added.

'There are people against him': Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli's decision to quit India's Test captaincy

&nbsp;India failed to avoid a series whitewash against a South African team in transition despite Deepak Chahar's scintillating 34-ball 54, losing the third One-day International by four runs here on Sunday to end a disastrous tour of the 'Rainbow Nation'.

Asked to bat first, South Africa were all out for 287 after Quinton de Kock's attacking hundred and Rassie van der Dussen's fluent half-century. In reply, India were all out for 283 in 49.2 overs, completely mishandling a chase that should have been completed smoothly.

Having taken two wickets with the ball, Chahar blazed away with the bat and hit five fours and two sixes, but his effort was not enough in the end.

All in all, the limited-overs series turned out to be one of the most disappointing outings for India in recent years, especially after having blanked the Proteas in their backyard in 2018. They began the tour on a rousing note, winning the opening Test by 113 runs but lost the plot thereafter, failing miserably to challenge the South Africans.

Looking to restore some pride in their last match of the tour, India overhauled their playing XI by making as many as four changes, bringing in Suryakumar Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna. The ones to miss out were Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Venkatesh Iyer and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The changes did not bring about a change in India's fortunes as Suryakumar was dismissed for 39 off 32 balls.

India were last clean swept in an away ODI series by New Zealand (0-3) in 2020 under Virat Kohli. Incidentally, Rohit Sharma was absent from that series too, with a hamstring injury.

On Sunday, Kohli made a 65 off 84 balls, while opener Shikhar Dhawan struck a 73-ball 61, both scoring their second fifties of the three-match series. And it should have been India's game as it seemed for a good part but the side simply bungled it in the closing stages despite being well ahead on the asking rate thanks to Chahar's blitzkrieg.

Earlier, India rallied to bowl out South Africa under 300 after de Kock and van der Dussen's blazing knocks. De Kock struck 124 off 130 balls and added 144 runs for the fourth wicket with van der Dussen before India put the brakes on the home team's scoring by sending back both the batters in quick succession. After that, David Miller contributed a 38-ball 39 before the innings ended with a ball to spare.

With his sixth ODI century, de Kock equalled AB de Villiers' record of scoring the most hundreds against India by a South African. KL Rahul's decision to bowl first worked straightaway as Deepak Chahar (2/53) had opener Janneman Malan (1) caught behind with just eight runs on the board at the start of the third over.

It was a big wicket for the Indians as Malan came into the inconsequential final ODI on the back of a neat 91-run knock in the Proteas' series-clinching second ODI win at Paarl. And credit for that must go to Chahar who got his fullish delivery to move away after angling it in, leaving Malan clueless.

A direct hit from India skipper KL Rahul from mid-off, ended his in-form counterpart Temba Bavuma's brief stay in the middle as the batter failed to reach the non-striker's end in time. Bavuma making his way back to the dressing room for eight runs was another big break for India as the South Africa captain had scored a century in the opening fixture and also looked solid in the second outing.

After bagging two wickets in the powerplay, India seemed to be headed in the right direction when Aiden Markram's attempted pull shot failed to clear substitute fielder Ruturaj Gaikwad in the deep square leg region, leaving the hosts at 70 for three in the 13th over.

However, the duo of De Kock and Van der Dussen got together and forged an excellent partnership, mixing caution with aggression to deflate the Indian bowling attack. De Kock moved into the 90s with two boundaries and then produced a flat-batted six straight over Prasidh Krishna's (3/59) head. But he got stuck on 99 for a while before finally getting to the three-figure mark by driving Shreyas Iyer to the left of sweeper cover for two runs.

Van der Dussen hit Yuzvendra Chahal through mid-wicket for four, as the two upped the ante with their vast range of strokes on all sides of the wicket. But just when it looked like the two batters were taking the game away form India, the visitors got rid of both of them. De Kock got out to a Jasprit Bumrah (2/52) short ball, giving Shikhar Dhawan a simple catch at deep square leg, and then, Chahal had van der Dussen brilliant caught by Iyer in the deep.

India failed to avoid a series whitewash against a South African team in transition despite Deepak Chahar's scintillating 34-ball 54, losing the third One-day International by four runs here on Sunday to end a disastrous tour of the 'Rainbow Nation'.

India failed to avoid a series whitewash against a South African team in transition despite Deepak Chahar's scintillating 34-ball 54, losing the third One-day International by four runs here on Sunday to end a disastrous tour of the 'Rainbow Nation'. Asked to bat first, South Africa were all out for 287 after Quinton de Kock's attacking hundred and Rassie van der Dussen's fluent half-century. In reply, India were all out for 283 in 49.2 overs, completely mishandling a chase that should have been completed smoothly. Having taken two wickets with the ball, Chahar blazed away with the bat and hit five fours and two sixes, but his effort was not enough in the end. All in all, the limited-overs series turned out to be one of the most disappointing outings for India in recent years, especially after having blanked the Proteas in their backyard in 2018. They began the tour on a rousing note, winning the opening Test by 113 runs but lost the plot thereafter, failing miserably to challenge the South Africans. Looking to restore some pride in their last match of the tour, India overhauled their playing XI by making as many as four changes, bringing in Suryakumar Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna. The ones to miss out were Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Venkatesh Iyer and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The changes did not bring about a change in India's fortunes as Suryakumar was dismissed for 39 off 32 balls. India were last clean swept in an away ODI series by New Zealand (0-3) in 2020 under Virat Kohli. Incidentally, Rohit Sharma was absent from that series too, with a hamstring injury. On Sunday, Kohli made a 65 off 84 balls, while opener Shikhar Dhawan struck a 73-ball 61, both scoring their second fifties of the three-match series. And it should have been India's game as it seemed for a good part but the side simply bungled it in the closing stages despite being well ahead on the asking rate thanks to Chahar's blitzkrieg. Earlier, India rallied to bowl out South Africa under 300 after de Kock and van der Dussen's blazing knocks. De Kock struck 124 off 130 balls and added 144 runs for the fourth wicket with van der Dussen before India put the brakes on the home team's scoring by sending back both the batters in quick succession. After that, David Miller contributed a 38-ball 39 before the innings ended with a ball to spare. With his sixth ODI century, de Kock equalled AB de Villiers' record of scoring the most hundreds against India by a South African. KL Rahul's decision to bowl first worked straightaway as Deepak Chahar (2/53) had opener Janneman Malan (1) caught behind with just eight runs on the board at the start of the third over. It was a big wicket for the Indians as Malan came into the inconsequential final ODI on the back of a neat 91-run knock in the Proteas' series-clinching second ODI win at Paarl. And credit for that must go to Chahar who got his fullish delivery to move away after angling it in, leaving Malan clueless. A direct hit from India skipper KL Rahul from mid-off, ended his in-form counterpart Temba Bavuma's brief stay in the middle as the batter failed to reach the non-striker's end in time. Bavuma making his way back to the dressing room for eight runs was another big break for India as the South Africa captain had scored a century in the opening fixture and also looked solid in the second outing. After bagging two wickets in the powerplay, India seemed to be headed in the right direction when Aiden Markram's attempted pull shot failed to clear substitute fielder Ruturaj Gaikwad in the deep square leg region, leaving the hosts at 70 for three in the 13th over. However, the duo of De Kock and Van der Dussen got together and forged an excellent partnership, mixing caution with aggression to deflate the Indian bowling attack. De Kock moved into the 90s with two boundaries and then produced a flat-batted six straight over Prasidh Krishna's (3/59) head. But he got stuck on 99 for a while before finally getting to the three-figure mark by driving Shreyas Iyer to the left of sweeper cover for two runs. Van der Dussen hit Yuzvendra Chahal through mid-wicket for four, as the two upped the ante with their vast range of strokes on all sides of the wicket. But just when it looked like the two batters were taking the game away form India, the visitors got rid of both of them. De Kock got out to a Jasprit Bumrah (2/52) short ball, giving Shikhar Dhawan a simple catch at deep square leg, and then, Chahal had van der Dussen brilliant caught by Iyer in the deep.

Deepak Chahar's cameo in vain as South Africa beat India by 4 runs in a thriller to clean sweep ODI series

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has taken a dig at Virat Kohli's critics after the latter's decision to quit as India's Test captain. Kohli announced his resignation as the Test captain of the Indian team last week, a day after India's 2-1 loss in the Test series against South Africa away from home.&nbsp;

Kohli's decision came as a shock to many as he had expressed his desire to continue leading the Indian team in Tests and ODIs while stepping down as T20I captain in September last year. However, he was later sacked as ODI captain as the selectors wanted Rohit Sharma to lead the team in both white-ball formats. Kohli then had a public fallout with the BCCI after an explosive presser in December last year before quitting Test captaincy last week.

Shastri said Kohli could have easily led the Indian team in Tests for at least another two years but some people might not have been able to digest the fact that he could have reached 50-60 &nbsp;wins as captain. Kohli is the most successful Indian captain in Test history with 40 wins from 68 matches as the skipper of the side.

"Whether Virat could have continued to lead India in Tests. For sure, he could have led India for at least 2 years because next two years India would be playing at home and who is coming over - 9 and 10 jacks, going by the rankings. But he would have then made it to 50-60 wins under his captaincy and a lot of people will not be able to digest that fact," Shastri was quoted as saying by India Today.

"Two years, he could have carried on but we should respect his decision. In any other country, this kind of record is incredible. You won against Australia, England and lost 1-2 to South Africa but still, there are debates if he should be the captain or not," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-are-people-against-him-shoaib-akhtar-on-virat-kohlis-decision-to-quit-indias-test-captaincy-446852">'There are people against him': Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli's decision to quit India's Test captaincy</a>

Kohli didn't only sign off as India's most successful Test captain but also the fourth-best captain all-time in the longest format overall. Only greats like Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) have more Test wins as captain than Kohli. The 33-year-old&nbsp;needed just 14 more wins as captain to become the most successful Test captain of all time in Test history.

Kohli enjoyed a great relationship with Shastri during his tenure as the head coach of the Indian team and the duo inspired India to several memorable Test wins both at home and away from home. India dominated the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for years under the duo's leadership and were a force to reckon with in the longest format.

Talking about Kohli's decision to quit Test captaincy, Shastri said the batting maestro might have felt the need to take some pressure off his back and focus only on his personal game. Shastri said it was an individual decision as Kohli must have felt he has already achieved what he wanted to as the captain of the Test team.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-issues-warning-to-virat-kohli-when-you-are-captain-you-dont-worry-about-selection-446709">Harbhajan Singh issues warning to Virat Kohli: 'When you are captain you don't worry about selection'</a>

"Virat Kohli led India in 5-6 years in Tests and out of those, five years India was no. 1. No Indian captain has this kind of record and there are only a handful of captains world over with this kind of record. So when the most successful captain decides to step down as captain it's an individual's decision because his record of 40 wins is unprecedented," said Shastri.

"So he only knows how much is he enjoying captaincy. When Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were not enjoying captaincy, they left. Similarly, when Virat thought that he had won 40 matches, six years he had been leading and now he wants to enjoy his cricket. He wants to focus on his batting and release a bit of pressure and it happens with a lot of individuals," he added.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has taken a dig at Virat Kohli's critics after the latter's decision to quit as India's Test captain. Kohli announced his resignation as the Test captain of the Indian team last week, a day after India's 2-1 loss in the Test series against South Africa away from home.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has taken a dig at Virat Kohli's critics after the latter's decision to quit as India's Test captain. Kohli announced his resignation as the Test captain of the Indian team last week, a day after India's 2-1 loss in the Test series against South Africa away from home. Kohli's decision came as a shock to many as he had expressed his desire to continue leading the Indian team in Tests and ODIs while stepping down as T20I captain in September last year. However, he was later sacked as ODI captain as the selectors wanted Rohit Sharma to lead the team in both white-ball formats. Kohli then had a public fallout with the BCCI after an explosive presser in December last year before quitting Test captaincy last week. Shastri said Kohli could have easily led the Indian team in Tests for at least another two years but some people might not have been able to digest the fact that he could have reached 50-60 wins as captain. Kohli is the most successful Indian captain in Test history with 40 wins from 68 matches as the skipper of the side. "Whether Virat could have continued to lead India in Tests. For sure, he could have led India for at least 2 years because next two years India would be playing at home and who is coming over - 9 and 10 jacks, going by the rankings. But he would have then made it to 50-60 wins under his captaincy and a lot of people will not be able to digest that fact," Shastri was quoted as saying by India Today. "Two years, he could have carried on but we should respect his decision. In any other country, this kind of record is incredible. You won against Australia, England and lost 1-2 to South Africa but still, there are debates if he should be the captain or not," he added. Also Read: 'There are people against him': Shoaib Akhtar on Virat Kohli's decision to quit India's Test captaincy Kohli didn't only sign off as India's most successful Test captain but also the fourth-best captain all-time in the longest format overall. Only greats like Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) have more Test wins as captain than Kohli. The 33-year-old needed just 14 more wins as captain to become the most successful Test captain of all time in Test history. Kohli enjoyed a great relationship with Shastri during his tenure as the head coach of the Indian team and the duo inspired India to several memorable Test wins both at home and away from home. India dominated the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for years under the duo's leadership and were a force to reckon with in the longest format. Talking about Kohli's decision to quit Test captaincy, Shastri said the batting maestro might have felt the need to take some pressure off his back and focus only on his personal game. Shastri said it was an individual decision as Kohli must have felt he has already achieved what he wanted to as the captain of the Test team. Also Read: Harbhajan Singh issues warning to Virat Kohli: 'When you are captain you don't worry about selection' "Virat Kohli led India in 5-6 years in Tests and out of those, five years India was no. 1. No Indian captain has this kind of record and there are only a handful of captains world over with this kind of record. So when the most successful captain decides to step down as captain it's an individual's decision because his record of 40 wins is unprecedented," said Shastri. "So he only knows how much is he enjoying captaincy. When Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were not enjoying captaincy, they left. Similarly, when Virat thought that he had won 40 matches, six years he had been leading and now he wants to enjoy his cricket. He wants to focus on his batting and release a bit of pressure and it happens with a lot of individuals," he added.

Lot of people wouldn't have been able to digest Virat Kohli reaching 50-60 wins as Test captain: Ravi Shastri

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has issued a warning to Virat Kohli after his flop show in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (January 21). Kohli was dismissed for a five-ball duck as India lost the game by seven wickets to concede the three-match ODI series against the Proteas. With back-to-back wins in the first two games, South Africa have taken an unassailable lead and clinched the series.

Kohli, who has not been at his best with the willow for a while now, is currently undergoing a rough patch in his international career. From being the captain of the Indian team across all three formats just a few months ago, Kohli is now a part of the side only as a pure batter.

While it was his choice to leave the T20I captaincy last year, he was later replaced as the ODI captain of the side by the BCCI and the selectors before leaving Test captaincy last week. Kohli's place in the playing XI was always safe when he was captaining India across all formats, however, the pressure has increased on him post leaving captaincy.

Harbhajan believes Kohli no more has a guaranteed spot in the playing XI in white-ball cricket and will have to perform consistently to ensure his place in the team is safe. Harbhajan cited the examples of the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev while issuing a warning to Kohli that only performances will guarantee him a spot in the team going forward.

"When a captain steps down after seven years, a lot of people feel surprised in and outside the team. I myself was very surprised that he perhaps made this decision in a hurry. But obviously, Virat knows what's in his heart, what are his future plans and what he wants to do in the future. But when you are captain, things are different. As a batter, he'll have a different pressure upon him. We all know he's a big player but when you are captain you don't have to worry about your selection. You are always selected," Harbhajan said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"But no matter how big a player you are - whether you are Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, (Sunil) Gavaskar, or anyone - you feel the pressure when you don't perform. He'll feel a pressure that wasn't there for the past 7 years. But I also want to say that in these seven years he's performed the best in world cricket as a captain. I hope his performance as a batter continues to be equally good and he keeps winning Team India matches as he did as a captain," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-sourav-ganguly-plan-to-send-show-cause-notice-to-virat-kohli-bcci-president-breaks-silence-446644">Did Sourav Ganguly plan to send 'show-cause notice' to Virat Kohli? BCCI president breaks silence</a>

Kohli scored a fine half-century in the first ODI against the Proteas, however, his efforts went in vain as India failed to chase down the target of 297 runs and lost the game by 31 runs. The visitors lost the second ODI by seven wickets on Saturday to go 2-0 down and lose the three-match series.

&nbsp;

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has issued a warning to Virat Kohli after his flop show in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (January 21). Kohli was dismissed for a five-ball duck as India lost the game by seven wickets to concede the three-match ODI series against the Proteas.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has issued a warning to Virat Kohli after his flop show in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (January 21). Kohli was dismissed for a five-ball duck as India lost the game by seven wickets to concede the three-match ODI series against the Proteas. With back-to-back wins in the first two games, South Africa have taken an unassailable lead and clinched the series. Kohli, who has not been at his best with the willow for a while now, is currently undergoing a rough patch in his international career. From being the captain of the Indian team across all three formats just a few months ago, Kohli is now a part of the side only as a pure batter. While it was his choice to leave the T20I captaincy last year, he was later replaced as the ODI captain of the side by the BCCI and the selectors before leaving Test captaincy last week. Kohli's place in the playing XI was always safe when he was captaining India across all formats, however, the pressure has increased on him post leaving captaincy. Harbhajan believes Kohli no more has a guaranteed spot in the playing XI in white-ball cricket and will have to perform consistently to ensure his place in the team is safe. Harbhajan cited the examples of the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev while issuing a warning to Kohli that only performances will guarantee him a spot in the team going forward. "When a captain steps down after seven years, a lot of people feel surprised in and outside the team. I myself was very surprised that he perhaps made this decision in a hurry. But obviously, Virat knows what's in his heart, what are his future plans and what he wants to do in the future. But when you are captain, things are different. As a batter, he'll have a different pressure upon him. We all know he's a big player but when you are captain you don't have to worry about your selection. You are always selected," Harbhajan said in a video on his YouTube channel. "But no matter how big a player you are - whether you are Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, (Sunil) Gavaskar, or anyone - you feel the pressure when you don't perform. He'll feel a pressure that wasn't there for the past 7 years. But I also want to say that in these seven years he's performed the best in world cricket as a captain. I hope his performance as a batter continues to be equally good and he keeps winning Team India matches as he did as a captain," he added. Also Read: Did Sourav Ganguly plan to send 'show-cause notice' to Virat Kohli? BCCI president breaks silence Kohli scored a fine half-century in the first ODI against the Proteas, however, his efforts went in vain as India failed to chase down the target of 297 runs and lost the game by 31 runs. The visitors lost the second ODI by seven wickets on Saturday to go 2-0 down and lose the three-match series.

Harbhajan Singh issues warning to Virat Kohli: 'When you are captain you don't worry about selection'

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has slammed&nbsp;KL Rahul for the lack of intensity in his captaincy after India's seven-wicket loss in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (November 21). India failed to defend a total of 287 runs after a below-par bowling show as South Africa clinched the three-match ODI series with back-to-back wins in the first two games.

While the likes of Virat Kohli (0) and Shreyas Iyer (11) were dismissed cheaply, the Indian bowlers were taken to the cleaners by South African openers Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock. Malan slammed a brilliant 91 off 108 balls while De Kock scored a quickfire 78 off 66 balls. The duo posted an opening stand of 132 runs to set up a comfortable win for the hosts and bat India out of the game.

Stand-in skipper Rahul, who has been leading India in the absence of permanent captain Rohit Sharma, has been facing the flak from all corners over the team's poor show. Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Kaneria criticised Rahul and said there was no intensity in his captaincy. The former Pakistan spinner also alleged that there appears to be a divide in the Indian dressing room with former skipper Kohli looking disconnected from the team.

"There's no intensity in KL Rahul's captaincy. Virat looks distant, disconnected from the team. When a review is being taken, he doesn't close in as much and he isn't giving a lot of input to the captain. You get to know what's going inside a cricketer's heart by judging their body language," said Kaneria.

"There seems to be a division within the team. Team India isn't showing the intensity and the approach that Virat used to bring to the team (when he was captain). Going by KL Rahul's captaincy, Rohit Sharma should come back as captain. KL Rahul is not ready to lead the team," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-sourav-ganguly-planned-to-send-show-cause-notice-to-virat-kohli-bcci-president-breaks-silence-446644">Did Sourav Ganguly plan to send 'show-cause notice' to Virat Kohli? BCCI president breaks silence</a>

After losing the Test series 2-1, India would have hoped to bounce back strongly in the ongoing ODI series against the Proteas. However, the Rahul-led side suffered back-to-back losses in the first two matches to concede the series. India will be hoping to bag a consolation win and finish the series on a high when the two teams meet in the third and final ODI of the series in Cape Town on Sunday.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has slammed KL Rahul for the lack of intensity in his captaincy after India's seven-wicket loss in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (November 21).

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has slammed KL Rahul for the lack of intensity in his captaincy after India's seven-wicket loss in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (November 21). India failed to defend a total of 287 runs after a below-par bowling show as South Africa clinched the three-match ODI series with back-to-back wins in the first two games. While the likes of Virat Kohli (0) and Shreyas Iyer (11) were dismissed cheaply, the Indian bowlers were taken to the cleaners by South African openers Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock. Malan slammed a brilliant 91 off 108 balls while De Kock scored a quickfire 78 off 66 balls. The duo posted an opening stand of 132 runs to set up a comfortable win for the hosts and bat India out of the game. Stand-in skipper Rahul, who has been leading India in the absence of permanent captain Rohit Sharma, has been facing the flak from all corners over the team's poor show. Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Kaneria criticised Rahul and said there was no intensity in his captaincy. The former Pakistan spinner also alleged that there appears to be a divide in the Indian dressing room with former skipper Kohli looking disconnected from the team. "There's no intensity in KL Rahul's captaincy. Virat looks distant, disconnected from the team. When a review is being taken, he doesn't close in as much and he isn't giving a lot of input to the captain. You get to know what's going inside a cricketer's heart by judging their body language," said Kaneria. "There seems to be a division within the team. Team India isn't showing the intensity and the approach that Virat used to bring to the team (when he was captain). Going by KL Rahul's captaincy, Rohit Sharma should come back as captain. KL Rahul is not ready to lead the team," he added. Also Read: Did Sourav Ganguly plan to send 'show-cause notice' to Virat Kohli? BCCI president breaks silence After losing the Test series 2-1, India would have hoped to bounce back strongly in the ongoing ODI series against the Proteas. However, the Rahul-led side suffered back-to-back losses in the first two matches to concede the series. India will be hoping to bag a consolation win and finish the series on a high when the two teams meet in the third and final ODI of the series in Cape Town on Sunday.

No intensity in KL Rahul's captaincy, Virat Kohli looks disconnected: Ex-Pak spinner after India's poor show

The last few months have not been easy for &nbsp;Virat Kohli, who is no more the captain of the Indian team across all three formats after a public fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The captaincy saga started when Kohli announced in September last year that he will be stepping down as the T20I captain of the team post the T20 World Cup 2021.

Kohli was later removed as the ODI captain as well despite having expressed his desire to continue leading India in Tests and ODIs. After being sacked as ODI captain, Kohli gave an explosive press conference ahead of India's tour of South Africa in December where he went on to counter some of the claims made by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.

Kohli contradicted Ganguly's comments that he had been asked by the BCCI president to not give up T20I captaincy. He also revealed he was informed about his sacking as ODI captain only ninety minutes before the decision was made official. The selectors wanted to have only one white-ball captain for India which led to them removing Kohli as the ODI skipper.

Kohli left India's Test captaincy last week, a day after the team's 2-1 defeat against South Africa in the recently-concluded Test series. Just days after his decision to quit Test captaincy, reports emerged that all was not well between Kohli and the BCCI and that Ganguly had planned to send a 'show-cause' notice to Kohli after his explosive presser in December.

The report suggested that Ganguly was not happy with the comments made by Kohli in the presser. The BCCI president has finally broken his silence on the matter and dismissed the reports calling them fake. "Not true at all," Ganguly was quoted as saying to Indian Express on the reports of him planning a show-cause notice for Kohli.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-ganguly-wanted-to-issue-showcause-notice-to-kohli-following-his-explosive-presser-report-446249">BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue show-cause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser</a>

<h2>Focus back on Virat Kohli the batter&nbsp;</h2>

After leaving captaincy across all formats of the game, the focus is bac on Kohli the batter. The former India skipper has not been on top of his game in international cricket for a while now and is still looking to find his old consistency back. Kohli, who hasn't scored an international ton since 2019, will be hoping to bounce back strongly and win matches for India as a batter going forward.

The last few months have not been easy for Virat Kohli, who is no more the captain of the Indian team across all three formats after a public fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The last few months have not been easy for Virat Kohli, who is no more the captain of the Indian team across all three formats after a public fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The captaincy saga started when Kohli announced in September last year that he will be stepping down as the T20I captain of the team post the T20 World Cup 2021. Kohli was later removed as the ODI captain as well despite having expressed his desire to continue leading India in Tests and ODIs. After being sacked as ODI captain, Kohli gave an explosive press conference ahead of India's tour of South Africa in December where he went on to counter some of the claims made by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. Kohli contradicted Ganguly's comments that he had been asked by the BCCI president to not give up T20I captaincy. He also revealed he was informed about his sacking as ODI captain only ninety minutes before the decision was made official. The selectors wanted to have only one white-ball captain for India which led to them removing Kohli as the ODI skipper. Kohli left India's Test captaincy last week, a day after the team's 2-1 defeat against South Africa in the recently-concluded Test series. Just days after his decision to quit Test captaincy, reports emerged that all was not well between Kohli and the BCCI and that Ganguly had planned to send a 'show-cause' notice to Kohli after his explosive presser in December. The report suggested that Ganguly was not happy with the comments made by Kohli in the presser. The BCCI president has finally broken his silence on the matter and dismissed the reports calling them fake. "Not true at all," Ganguly was quoted as saying to Indian Express on the reports of him planning a show-cause notice for Kohli. Also Read: BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue show-cause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser Focus back on Virat Kohli the batter After leaving captaincy across all formats of the game, the focus is bac on Kohli the batter. The former India skipper has not been on top of his game in international cricket for a while now and is still looking to find his old consistency back. Kohli, who hasn't scored an international ton since 2019, will be hoping to bounce back strongly and win matches for India as a batter going forward.

Did Sourav Ganguly plan to send 'show-cause notice' to Virat Kohli? BCCI president breaks silence

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket, especially in the senior men's team in the last four months.&nbsp;In mid-September 2021, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on social media by announcing his resignation as the T20I captain post the World Cup, in the UAE.

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🇮🇳 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Ds7okjhj9J">pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1438478585518456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After India's colossal failure in the showpiece event, a lot of changes were expected. However, none of the connoisseurs of the game would have foreseen the plethora of changes that came into picture since then.&nbsp;

While Rohit Sharma succeeded Kohli as the T20I captain, being rewarded for his envious record as IPL captain, the latter remained the ODI and Test captain (he himself wanted to carry on as skipper in the longer formats as per his T20I captaincy resignation tweet). Nonetheless, a twist in the tale unfolded just before India boarded the flight for the ongoing South Africa trip.&nbsp;

Last year on December 8, BCCI announced Rohit as the limited-overs captain altogether, sacking Kohli from the top job in the 50-over format. The announcement was made courtesy a two-line Twitter post from the board's official handle:

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The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI &amp; T20I teams going forward.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> <a href="https://t.co/hcg92sPtCa">pic.twitter.com/hcg92sPtCa</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1468577752953483264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A thank you post for outgoing captain Kohli followed a day later, i.e. on December 9.&nbsp;

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A leader who led the side with grit, passion &amp; determination. 🇮🇳🔝 
 
Thank you Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>!👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gz7r6KCuWF">pic.twitter.com/gz7r6KCuWF</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1468919777120829441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The lack of prior communication -- in terms of a proper official statement by the BCCI -- and the late Twitter post irked many Indian cricket fans, who&nbsp;remained baffled with the sudden turn of events. What was cooking?&nbsp;

All eyes, thus, shifted to BCCI's customary press conference before Team India's departure for the rainbow nation. On December 15, Kohli spearheaded the presser and dropped few more bombs with his answers in an affirmative tone.&nbsp;

While BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had already conveyed that the board officials and national selectors had requested Kohli to remain the T20I captain,&nbsp;the star Indian batter contradicted from the claims. "I had told BCCI that I want to quit T20I captaincy. I wasn't told to reconsider it. It was received well, without any hesitation; I was told it's a progressive step and it's in the right direction. I had told them that I want to continue ODI and Test captaincy unless the office bearers think otherwise. I had given that option to them," Kohli had stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-ganguly-wanted-to-issue-showcause-notice-to-kohli-following-his-explosive-presser-report-446249">BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report</a>

In addition, Kohli made it clear that he had no prior communication with the national selectors regarding the ODI captaincy switch. He revealed that he came to know about the decision only 90 minutes prior to the official announcement.&nbsp;

Thus, this opened a pandora of box. Kohli's explosive presser exposed the dire straits between the board, selectors and the superstar cricketer.

In response to the presser, Ganguly made it clear that the board will not make any official statement due to ongoing&nbsp;SA tour. "No statements, no press conference. We will deal with it, leave it to (the) BCCI," Ganguly told local mediapersons after the presser.

Nonetheless, chief selector Chetan Sharma made heads turn, stating that Kohli was asked by officials and selectors to remain T20I captain.&nbsp; "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team," the former India pacer told on December 31.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-match-makes-virat-kohli-turned-down-bccis-offer-to-play-farewell-test-as-captain-report-445316">'One match makes...': Virat Kohli turned down BCCI's offer to play farewell Test as captain - Report</a>

When the Indian cricket fans were busy trying to make sense of the mysterious turn of events, Kohli dropped another bomb -- probably throwing his last roll of the&nbsp;dice&nbsp;-- by announcing his resignation as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to SA in the African nation.&nbsp;

On January 15, Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."

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🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/huBL6zZ7fZ">pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1482340422987169794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following Kohli's resignation, ending his Team India captaincy tenure altogether, many reactions came in a flash. Needless to say, Ganguly's response was most awaited. Few hours after Kohli's announcement, Ganguly wrote, "Under Virat's leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game... his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely... he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future. A great player. well done... @BCCI @imVkohli."

A battle with no winner but plenty of losers!

So far, there is total chaos surrounding Indian cricket. It reminds the 90s fans of the infamous Greg Chappell-era.&nbsp;

As an Indian cricket loyalist, the cracks became evident on the day BCCI made the ODI captaincy switch. The lack of communication and late tribute for Kohli -- yes, even a timely Twitter post for some big announcements means a lot in the social media-era -- triggered the collapse.&nbsp;

Ganguly statement prior to Kohli's presser was entirely uncalled for (similarly, the latter's T20I captaincy resignation announcement can also be termed 'untimely'; i.e. a month before the World Cup). Being the BCCI chief, he could've shifted the query towards the national selectors. After all, it was their unanimous choice to sack Kohli and have one white-ball captain.

Former India cricketer and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar had lashed out at the BCCI chief and told Khaleej Times, "It’s very unfortunate, the whole thing. I think it should have been handled more professionally by the cricket board. The thing is that Ganguly had no business to speak on behalf of the selection committee. Ganguly is the president of BCCI. Any issue about selection or captaincy, it’s the chairman of the selection committee who should speak."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-had-no-pressure-from-the-board-selectors-bcci-treasurer-reacts-to-kohli-leaving-test-captaincy-445254">Virat had no pressure from the board, selectors: BCCI treasurer reacts to Kohli leaving Test captaincy</a>

Further, Kohli's presser fanned the fire. Chetan Sharma's statements led to more questions than answers. The 33-year-old Kohli's Test resignation -- a format where he excelled as captain -- raised more eyebrows; acting as a confirmation to many Indian cricket fans that the superstar batter chose to side away from all the negativity and war of words.&nbsp;

In the ongoing India-SA ODIs, Kohli has scores of 51 and 0 so far. While he didn't dominate entirely in the first outing, he fell for a five-ball duck in the second and penultimate ODI. Fans are already concerned that the BCCI row has taken a lot out of Kohli, who has clearly lacked intensity on the field.&nbsp;

It is NOT looking good

Irrespective of how things have unfolded, Kohli's presence, intensity and contribution remain&nbsp;of utmost importance to Team India across formats.

Thus, one wishes that the tug of war between Kohli and BCCI is over. For now, it is taking a lot out of a talismanic batter and also putting BCCI under the scanner. For the unversed, on&nbsp;Thursday (January 20), reports suggested&nbsp;that Ganguly prevented issuing a show cause notice to Kohli for his explosive presser.&nbsp;A source close to the development was quoted as saying by India Ahead News, "And the board president was all for issuing a show cause notice to Kohli." Hence, the writing is clearly on the wall as the recipe being cooked is surely nothing less than a disaster.&nbsp;

If all this continues, India will lose many battles&nbsp;even before taking&nbsp;on oppositions on the field. People following the India-SA series have already concluded that the national side is looking clueless with each passing game in the African nation.

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket, especially in the senior men's team in the last four months. In mid-September 2021, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on social media by announcing his resignation as the T20I captain post the World Cup, in the UAE.

A lot has transpired in Indian cricket, especially in the senior men's team in the last four months. In mid-September 2021, Virat Kohli dropped a bomb on social media by announcing his resignation as the T20I captain post the World Cup, in the UAE. 🇮🇳 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021 × After India's colossal failure in the showpiece event, a lot of changes were expected. However, none of the connoisseurs of the game would have foreseen the plethora of changes that came into picture since then. While Rohit Sharma succeeded Kohli as the T20I captain, being rewarded for his envious record as IPL captain, the latter remained the ODI and Test captain (he himself wanted to carry on as skipper in the longer formats as per his T20I captaincy resignation tweet). Nonetheless, a twist in the tale unfolded just before India boarded the flight for the ongoing South Africa trip. Last year on December 8, BCCI announced Rohit as the limited-overs captain altogether, sacking Kohli from the top job in the 50-over format. The announcement was made courtesy a two-line Twitter post from the board's official handle: The All-India Senior Selection Committee also decided to name Mr Rohit Sharma as the Captain of the ODI & T20I teams going forward.#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/hcg92sPtCa — BCCI (@BCCI) December 8, 2021 × A thank you post for outgoing captain Kohli followed a day later, i.e. on December 9. A leader who led the side with grit, passion & determination. 🇮🇳🔝 Thank you Captain @imVkohli!👏👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/gz7r6KCuWF — BCCI (@BCCI) December 9, 2021 × The lack of prior communication -- in terms of a proper official statement by the BCCI -- and the late Twitter post irked many Indian cricket fans, who remained baffled with the sudden turn of events. What was cooking? All eyes, thus, shifted to BCCI's customary press conference before Team India's departure for the rainbow nation. On December 15, Kohli spearheaded the presser and dropped few more bombs with his answers in an affirmative tone. While BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly had already conveyed that the board officials and national selectors had requested Kohli to remain the T20I captain, the star Indian batter contradicted from the claims. "I had told BCCI that I want to quit T20I captaincy. I wasn't told to reconsider it. It was received well, without any hesitation; I was told it's a progressive step and it's in the right direction. I had told them that I want to continue ODI and Test captaincy unless the office bearers think otherwise. I had given that option to them," Kohli had stated. ALSO READ | BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report In addition, Kohli made it clear that he had no prior communication with the national selectors regarding the ODI captaincy switch. He revealed that he came to know about the decision only 90 minutes prior to the official announcement. Thus, this opened a pandora of box. Kohli's explosive presser exposed the dire straits between the board, selectors and the superstar cricketer. In response to the presser, Ganguly made it clear that the board will not make any official statement due to ongoing SA tour. "No statements, no press conference. We will deal with it, leave it to (the) BCCI," Ganguly told local mediapersons after the presser. Nonetheless, chief selector Chetan Sharma made heads turn, stating that Kohli was asked by officials and selectors to remain T20I captain. "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team," the former India pacer told on December 31. ALSO READ | 'One match makes...': Virat Kohli turned down BCCI's offer to play farewell Test as captain - Report When the Indian cricket fans were busy trying to make sense of the mysterious turn of events, Kohli dropped another bomb -- probably throwing his last roll of the dice -- by announcing his resignation as the Test captain post India's 2-1 series loss to SA in the African nation. On January 15, Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now." 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022 × Following Kohli's resignation, ending his Team India captaincy tenure altogether, many reactions came in a flash. Needless to say, Ganguly's response was most awaited. Few hours after Kohli's announcement, Ganguly wrote, "Under Virat's leadership Indian cricket has made rapid strides in all formats of the game... his decision is a personal one and bcci respects it immensely... he will be an important member to take this team to newer heights in the future. A great player. well done... @BCCI @imVkohli." A battle with no winner but plenty of losers! So far, there is total chaos surrounding Indian cricket. It reminds the 90s fans of the infamous Greg Chappell-era. As an Indian cricket loyalist, the cracks became evident on the day BCCI made the ODI captaincy switch. The lack of communication and late tribute for Kohli -- yes, even a timely Twitter post for some big announcements means a lot in the social media-era -- triggered the collapse. Ganguly statement prior to Kohli's presser was entirely uncalled for (similarly, the latter's T20I captaincy resignation announcement can also be termed 'untimely'; i.e. a month before the World Cup). Being the BCCI chief, he could've shifted the query towards the national selectors. After all, it was their unanimous choice to sack Kohli and have one white-ball captain. Former India cricketer and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar had lashed out at the BCCI chief and told Khaleej Times, "It’s very unfortunate, the whole thing. I think it should have been handled more professionally by the cricket board. The thing is that Ganguly had no business to speak on behalf of the selection committee. Ganguly is the president of BCCI. Any issue about selection or captaincy, it’s the chairman of the selection committee who should speak." ALSO READ | Virat had no pressure from the board, selectors: BCCI treasurer reacts to Kohli leaving Test captaincy Further, Kohli's presser fanned the fire. Chetan Sharma's statements led to more questions than answers. The 33-year-old Kohli's Test resignation -- a format where he excelled as captain -- raised more eyebrows; acting as a confirmation to many Indian cricket fans that the superstar batter chose to side away from all the negativity and war of words. In the ongoing India-SA ODIs, Kohli has scores of 51 and 0 so far. While he didn't dominate entirely in the first outing, he fell for a five-ball duck in the second and penultimate ODI. Fans are already concerned that the BCCI row has taken a lot out of Kohli, who has clearly lacked intensity on the field. It is NOT looking good Irrespective of how things have unfolded, Kohli's presence, intensity and contribution remain of utmost importance to Team India across formats. Thus, one wishes that the tug of war between Kohli and BCCI is over. For now, it is taking a lot out of a talismanic batter and also putting BCCI under the scanner. For the unversed, on Thursday (January 20), reports suggested that Ganguly prevented issuing a show cause notice to Kohli for his explosive presser. A source close to the development was quoted as saying by India Ahead News, "And the board president was all for issuing a show cause notice to Kohli." Hence, the writing is clearly on the wall as the recipe being cooked is surely nothing less than a disaster. If all this continues, India will lose many battles even before taking on oppositions on the field. People following the India-SA series have already concluded that the national side is looking clueless with each passing game in the African nation.

Virat Kohli vs BCCI: Is there any real winner in this tussle?

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his views on KL Rahul's captaincy and stated that he loses his impact as a batter when leading the team. Rahul is currently leading the Indian cricket in the absence of permanent skipper Rohit Sharma in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Manjrekar cited the example of Rahul's numbers from his captaincy stint with Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where his strike rate went down significantly after becoming the captain of the team. Manjrekar's comments came after Rahul's 79-ball 55 in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (January 21).

After opting to bat first India rode on Rahul's 55 and Rishabh Pant's quickfire 85 off 71 balls to post a fighting total of 287/5 on the board, batting first in the must-win game. Pant and Rahul added a 115-run stand for the second wicket where the left-hander was going all guns blazing but the Indian skipper adopted a cautious approach and looked a bit sluggish during his innings.

"When he's a captain [for Punjab Kings] he has a strike rate of 133 and when he's not the captain 146. So this is KL Rahul, when he becomes captain, the impact that he makes as a batter gets diminished and that's something that hurts the team in the end and we have seen it hurt Punjab Kings in the IPL,"&nbsp;Mankrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo.

Today, you could say with Rishabh Pant batting there and the kind of overall confidence that the Indian team currently has, he saw potential issues had he got out early, especially with Virat Kohli gone," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-is-only-one-reason-sunil-gavaskar-explains-why-india-havent-won-an-icc-trophy-since-2013-446508">'There is only one reason': Sunil Gavaskar explains why India haven't won an ICC trophy since 2013</a>

Manjrekar wants Rahul to learn from Kohli and try to be like him as a captain. Kohli enjoyed the pressure of leadership and his performances only got better when he became the captain of the Indian team across formats. Manjrekar wants Rahul to replicate the same and win games for India with his batting.

"So I can understand the innings but going forward, I just want to see KL Rahul [be] the guy who makes an impact with the bat. Like Virat Kohli, for example, when he became the captain didn't lose Virat Kohli the batter who won him a lot of games. I want to see the same with KL Rahul," said Manjrekar.

India lost the first ODI against South Africa by 31 runs under Rahul's captaincy and are on the verge of facing back-to-back defeats as South Africa are well placed to win the second ODI and clinch the three-match series.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his views on KL Rahul's captaincy and stated that he loses his impact as a batter when leading the team. Rahul is currently leading the Indian cricket in the absence of permanent skipper Rohit Sharma in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his views on KL Rahul's captaincy and stated that he loses his impact as a batter when leading the team. Rahul is currently leading the Indian cricket in the absence of permanent skipper Rohit Sharma in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. Manjrekar cited the example of Rahul's numbers from his captaincy stint with Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where his strike rate went down significantly after becoming the captain of the team. Manjrekar's comments came after Rahul's 79-ball 55 in the second ODI against South Africa on Friday (January 21). After opting to bat first India rode on Rahul's 55 and Rishabh Pant's quickfire 85 off 71 balls to post a fighting total of 287/5 on the board, batting first in the must-win game. Pant and Rahul added a 115-run stand for the second wicket where the left-hander was going all guns blazing but the Indian skipper adopted a cautious approach and looked a bit sluggish during his innings. "When he's a captain [for Punjab Kings] he has a strike rate of 133 and when he's not the captain 146. So this is KL Rahul, when he becomes captain, the impact that he makes as a batter gets diminished and that's something that hurts the team in the end and we have seen it hurt Punjab Kings in the IPL," Mankrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo. Today, you could say with Rishabh Pant batting there and the kind of overall confidence that the Indian team currently has, he saw potential issues had he got out early, especially with Virat Kohli gone," he added. Also Read: 'There is only one reason': Sunil Gavaskar explains why India haven't won an ICC trophy since 2013 Manjrekar wants Rahul to learn from Kohli and try to be like him as a captain. Kohli enjoyed the pressure of leadership and his performances only got better when he became the captain of the Indian team across formats. Manjrekar wants Rahul to replicate the same and win games for India with his batting. "So I can understand the innings but going forward, I just want to see KL Rahul [be] the guy who makes an impact with the bat. Like Virat Kohli, for example, when he became the captain didn't lose Virat Kohli the batter who won him a lot of games. I want to see the same with KL Rahul," said Manjrekar. India lost the first ODI against South Africa by 31 runs under Rahul's captaincy and are on the verge of facing back-to-back defeats as South Africa are well placed to win the second ODI and clinch the three-match series.

KL Rahul's impact as a batter diminishes when he captains, he should learn from Virat Kohli: Sanjay Manjrekar

Virat Kohli, on January 15, announced that he is stepping down as the Indian Test captain. The news shocked one and all as the 33-year-old signed off as India's most successful captain in whites, winning 40 out of 68 Tests. Kohli's decision came just a day after India's three-match Test series loss to Dean Elgar-led South Africa, in the rainbow nation.

Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/way-people-treated-him-ex-bcci-selector-opines-on-virat-kohli-post-his-test-captaincy-resignation-446415">'Way people treated him...': Ex-BCCI selector opines on Virat Kohli post his Test captaincy resignation</a>

Ever since Kohli stepped down as the Test captain, many former cricketers and experts of the game have suggested various names who can succeed the 33-year-old. Some of the top contenders are Rohit Sharma (already the limited-overs captain), Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul whereas some have suggested Rishabh Pant's name as well. Pant, who made his debut in whites in mid-2018, has improved leaps and bounds -- in terms of fitness, keeping skills and batting -- and has&nbsp;1,735 runs with seven half-centuries and four tons. In addition, he has 110 dismissals in the purest format so far.

Speaking to the media recently, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen opined on the Test captaincy debate and shared his views regarding Pant.&nbsp;

"You are spoilt for choice... But Pant not yet, maybe one day... But when you have got Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul you have got some mighty cricketers," Pietersen has said. "I love Rahul Dravid. I'm looking forward to his progress with the national side. He has done wonders for the youngsters. So I'm looking forward to seeing him progress with the senior players," he further asserted.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-are-lucky-they-have-many-options-kevin-pietersen-names-who-should-take-over-as-test-captain-446401">India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain</a>

It will be interesting to see if Pant is given the nod. At 24, the swashbuckling left-hander is already touted to captain Team India in the future. However, it&nbsp;remains to be seen if he is given the top job amid the presence of many senior players such as Rohit, Rahul, R Ashwin, Bumrah and the likes.

Virat Kohli, on January 15, announced that he is stepping down as the Indian Test captain. The news shocked one and all as the 33-year-old signed off as India's most successful captain in whites, winning 40 out of 68 Tests.

Virat Kohli, on January 15, announced that he is stepping down as the Indian Test captain. The news shocked one and all as the 33-year-old signed off as India's most successful captain in whites, winning 40 out of 68 Tests. Kohli's decision came just a day after India's three-match Test series loss to Dean Elgar-led South Africa, in the rainbow nation. Kohli tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now." 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'Way people treated him...': Ex-BCCI selector opines on Virat Kohli post his Test captaincy resignation Ever since Kohli stepped down as the Test captain, many former cricketers and experts of the game have suggested various names who can succeed the 33-year-old. Some of the top contenders are Rohit Sharma (already the limited-overs captain), Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul whereas some have suggested Rishabh Pant's name as well. Pant, who made his debut in whites in mid-2018, has improved leaps and bounds -- in terms of fitness, keeping skills and batting -- and has 1,735 runs with seven half-centuries and four tons. In addition, he has 110 dismissals in the purest format so far. Speaking to the media recently, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen opined on the Test captaincy debate and shared his views regarding Pant. "You are spoilt for choice... But Pant not yet, maybe one day... But when you have got Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul you have got some mighty cricketers," Pietersen has said. "I love Rahul Dravid. I'm looking forward to his progress with the national side. He has done wonders for the youngsters. So I'm looking forward to seeing him progress with the senior players," he further asserted. ALSO READ | India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain It will be interesting to see if Pant is given the nod. At 24, the swashbuckling left-hander is already touted to captain Team India in the future. However, it remains to be seen if he is given the top job amid the presence of many senior players such as Rohit, Rahul, R Ashwin, Bumrah and the likes.

Should Rishabh Pant take over from Virat Kohli as India's Test captain? Kevin Pietersen responds

India and South Africa have locked horns with each other in the second and penultimate ODI at Boland Park, Paarl on Friday (January 21). After losing the series opener by 31 runs, KL Rahul-led India are in a must-win scenario to keep the series alive.

After winning the toss, Rahul &amp; Co. opted to bat first and were reduced from 63 for no loss to 64-2. Thus, Rahul and Rishabh Pant came together and stitched a wonderful 115-run third-wicket stand before both the set batters returned after scoring a fifty each. While Rahul went back for a 79-ball 55, Pant registered his highest ODI score (85) but missed out on his maiden century in the 50-over format.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-comedy-of-errors-ensues-between-rahul-pant-before-keshav-maharaj-misses-run-out-chance-446456">WATCH: Comedy of errors ensues between Rahul, Pant before Keshav Maharaj misses run-out chance</a>

During the match proceedings, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan lauded young Pant and compared his approach towards the game with ex-opener Virender Sehwag. "When you talk about a player who has got the X-Factor, Rishabh Pant comes to mind. He's got versatility that puts him in a different category. If one manages to do things which other players are not able to pull off, expectations tend to rise as well as pressure," Zaheer told&nbsp;Cricbuzz.

"But Pant is a character and he's least bothered about the commentary or outside noise. Virender Sehwag also used to be like that in our times. He used to think about his own game instead of focusing on other things... and Pant also has got a similar approach. You can't judge him on the basis of his stats due to the amount of risk that he takes. He's an impact player."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-creates-unwanted-record-after-5-ball-duck-in-2nd-odi-against-south-africa-446440">Virat Kohli creates unwanted record after 5-ball duck in 2nd ODI against South Africa</a>

Zaheer further opined that Pant's batting position should remain flexible. "I don't think his batting position has affected his performance in limited-overs. India instead expects flexibility from him. They have a player who can come in to bat according to the situation. You can't correlate his form and batting position... these are two completely different things. Pant should be utilized as an impact player rather than alloting a fixed batting spot to him," he added.

Riding on Pant's sublime 85, Rahul's 55 and Shardul Thakur's 40 not out, India have set a competitive 288-run target for the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas in the second and penultimate ODI in Paarl.

India and South Africa have locked horns with each other in the second and penultimate ODI at Boland Park, Paarl on Friday (January 21). After losing the series opener by 31 runs, KL Rahul-led India are in a must-win scenario to keep the series alive.

India and South Africa have locked horns with each other in the second and penultimate ODI at Boland Park, Paarl on Friday (January 21). After losing the series opener by 31 runs, KL Rahul-led India are in a must-win scenario to keep the series alive. After winning the toss, Rahul & Co. opted to bat first and were reduced from 63 for no loss to 64-2. Thus, Rahul and Rishabh Pant came together and stitched a wonderful 115-run third-wicket stand before both the set batters returned after scoring a fifty each. While Rahul went back for a 79-ball 55, Pant registered his highest ODI score (85) but missed out on his maiden century in the 50-over format. ALSO READ | WATCH: Comedy of errors ensues between Rahul, Pant before Keshav Maharaj misses run-out chance During the match proceedings, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan lauded young Pant and compared his approach towards the game with ex-opener Virender Sehwag. "When you talk about a player who has got the X-Factor, Rishabh Pant comes to mind. He's got versatility that puts him in a different category. If one manages to do things which other players are not able to pull off, expectations tend to rise as well as pressure," Zaheer told Cricbuzz. "But Pant is a character and he's least bothered about the commentary or outside noise. Virender Sehwag also used to be like that in our times. He used to think about his own game instead of focusing on other things... and Pant also has got a similar approach. You can't judge him on the basis of his stats due to the amount of risk that he takes. He's an impact player." ALSO READ | Virat Kohli creates unwanted record after 5-ball duck in 2nd ODI against South Africa Zaheer further opined that Pant's batting position should remain flexible. "I don't think his batting position has affected his performance in limited-overs. India instead expects flexibility from him. They have a player who can come in to bat according to the situation. You can't correlate his form and batting position... these are two completely different things. Pant should be utilized as an impact player rather than alloting a fixed batting spot to him," he added. Riding on Pant's sublime 85, Rahul's 55 and Shardul Thakur's 40 not out, India have set a competitive 288-run target for the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas in the second and penultimate ODI in Paarl.

He also used to be like that: Zaheer Khan compares Indian star's approach with Virender Sehwag

After the riveting three Tests, India and South Africa will square off with each other in the three-match ODI series opener at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday (January 19). Team India will play their first-ever series in the 50-over format since July 2021 and following Rahul Dravid's appointment as the head coach.

In 2021, India played two bilateral ODI series, versus England and Sri Lanka respectively. India ended the year winning four games and losing two. Since then, a lot has changed in Indian cricket. Virat Kohli was sacked as the ODI captain, having resigned on his own as T20I and Test captain (recently on January 15). Rohit Sharma was named the limited-overs captain in early December 2021, before being ruled out of the upcoming ODIs due to hamstring injury.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/itll-be-an-honour-kl-rahul-on-potentially-taking-over-from-virat-kohli-as-indias-next-test-captain-445678">'It’ll be an honour': KL Rahul on potentially taking over from Virat Kohli as India's next Test captain</a>

Thus, the 29-year-old KL Rahul will take the charge of the side in the SA ODIs in Rohit's absence. Rahul has already led India in the ongoing tour, during the second and penultimate Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. It will be interesting to see how he guides the side with veterans such as Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, etc.

Since July 2021, Dravid has already worked with several captains -- in the form of Dhawan, Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli and&nbsp;Rahul. Thus, the national side will be eager to gel well and start the series with a bang after losing the Tests 2-1. The young guns such as Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Md Siraj, Rishabh Pant, etc. will be desperate to make the most of their chances.

On the other hand, Bavuma-led SA aren't pushovers by any means. The likes of Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi, etc. will be bolstered by the presence of white-ball specialists David Miller, Andile Pheklukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-comes-a-stage-where-you-cant-afridi-opines-on-virat-kohlis-decision-to-quit-test-captaincy-445655">'There comes a stage where you can't...': Afridi opines on Virat Kohli's decision to quit Test captaincy</a>

Match prediction for India-South Africa encounter:&nbsp;There's not much separating both sides. Expect big runs with small boundaries -- on a pitch known to be slow and flat -- if the weather doesn't play a big role. SA's practice session was abandoned on Tuesday (January 18) due to rain interruption. Thus, the weather can make its presence felt.

Given how much India enjoy playing this format and are well in sync with it, expect the visitors to go 1-0 up. Nonetheless, it will be a close contest.

After the riveting three Tests, India and South Africa will square off with each other in the three-match ODI series opener at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday (January 19).

After the riveting three Tests, India and South Africa will square off with each other in the three-match ODI series opener at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday (January 19). Team India will play their first-ever series in the 50-over format since July 2021 and following Rahul Dravid's appointment as the head coach. In 2021, India played two bilateral ODI series, versus England and Sri Lanka respectively. India ended the year winning four games and losing two. Since then, a lot has changed in Indian cricket. Virat Kohli was sacked as the ODI captain, having resigned on his own as T20I and Test captain (recently on January 15). Rohit Sharma was named the limited-overs captain in early December 2021, before being ruled out of the upcoming ODIs due to hamstring injury. ALSO READ | 'It’ll be an honour': KL Rahul on potentially taking over from Virat Kohli as India's next Test captain Thus, the 29-year-old KL Rahul will take the charge of the side in the SA ODIs in Rohit's absence. Rahul has already led India in the ongoing tour, during the second and penultimate Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. It will be interesting to see how he guides the side with veterans such as Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, etc. Since July 2021, Dravid has already worked with several captains -- in the form of Dhawan, Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli and Rahul. Thus, the national side will be eager to gel well and start the series with a bang after losing the Tests 2-1. The young guns such as Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Md Siraj, Rishabh Pant, etc. will be desperate to make the most of their chances. On the other hand, Bavuma-led SA aren't pushovers by any means. The likes of Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi, etc. will be bolstered by the presence of white-ball specialists David Miller, Andile Pheklukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi. ALSO READ | 'There comes a stage where you can't...': Afridi opines on Virat Kohli's decision to quit Test captaincy Match prediction for India-South Africa encounter: There's not much separating both sides. Expect big runs with small boundaries -- on a pitch known to be slow and flat -- if the weather doesn't play a big role. SA's practice session was abandoned on Tuesday (January 18) due to rain interruption. Thus, the weather can make its presence felt. Given how much India enjoy playing this format and are well in sync with it, expect the visitors to go 1-0 up. Nonetheless, it will be a close contest.

IND vs SA, 1st ODI prediction: Who will win series opener between KL Rahul-led India and South Africa?

Virat Kohli endured a disappointing outing with the bat in the ongoing second ODI between India and South Africa at the Boland Park in Paarl on Friday (January 21). The former India captain was dismissed by spinner Keshav Maharaj without opening his account after managing to face just five balls in his innings.

After opting to bat first in the must-win game, India got off to a good start as openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan added 63 runs for the first wicket before the left-hander was dismissed by Aiden Markram on 29 off 38 deliveries. Kohli came out to bat at number three and was expected to build a partnership with Rahul.

However, Kohli&nbsp;failed to get off to a good start and was sent packing by Maharaj. It was a tossed up delivery from Maharaj, which Kohli was expected to dispatch but the former India skipper played a very poor shot as the ball landed straight into the hands of Temba Bavuma in the cover region. It was a soft dismissal as Kohli recorded his 14th duck in ODIs.

With his 14th duck, Kohli went past his India teammate Rohit Sharma and current India head coach Rahul Dravid in the list of most ducks for India while batting at no. 1 to 7 positions. Kohli joined the likes of Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina in an unwanted list of Indian batters with 14 ducks in ODIs. He is now joint-second on the mist of Indian batters with most ducks in ODIs while batting at no.1 to 7.

Kohli had been dismissed on a duck by a pacer on all 13 occasions in the past, however, on Friday, Maharaj became the first-ever spinner to hand former India captain a duck in ODIs. England's Adil Rashid is the only spinner to have dismissed Kohli on a duck in T20Is while Moeen Ali and Ajaz Patel have dismissed him on a duck in Tests.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-not-surprised-kevin-pitersen-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-shocking-decision-to-quit-test-captaincy-446414">'I am not surprised': Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's shocking decision to quit Test captaincy</a>

<h3>A long drought without a hundred for Virat Kohli</h3>

Kohli's century drought continues to extend in international cricket as the batting maestro struggles to find consistency with the willow. He has now gone 17 innings without a century in ODIs - his longest streak without scoring a ton in the fifty-over format.

After Kohli's dismissal, skipper Rahul combined with Rishabh Pant to steady the ship for India as both batters notched up half-centuries apiece. While Pant slammed a quickfire 85 off 71 balls, Rahul notched up 55 off 79 deliveries to add 115 runs for the third wicket.

Virat Kohli endured a disappointing outing with the bat in the ongoing second ODI between India and South Africa at the Boland Park in Paarl on Friday (January 21).

Virat Kohli endured a disappointing outing with the bat in the ongoing second ODI between India and South Africa at the Boland Park in Paarl on Friday (January 21). The former India captain was dismissed by spinner Keshav Maharaj without opening his account after managing to face just five balls in his innings. After opting to bat first in the must-win game, India got off to a good start as openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan added 63 runs for the first wicket before the left-hander was dismissed by Aiden Markram on 29 off 38 deliveries. Kohli came out to bat at number three and was expected to build a partnership with Rahul. However, Kohli failed to get off to a good start and was sent packing by Maharaj. It was a tossed up delivery from Maharaj, which Kohli was expected to dispatch but the former India skipper played a very poor shot as the ball landed straight into the hands of Temba Bavuma in the cover region. It was a soft dismissal as Kohli recorded his 14th duck in ODIs. With his 14th duck, Kohli went past his India teammate Rohit Sharma and current India head coach Rahul Dravid in the list of most ducks for India while batting at no. 1 to 7 positions. Kohli joined the likes of Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina in an unwanted list of Indian batters with 14 ducks in ODIs. He is now joint-second on the mist of Indian batters with most ducks in ODIs while batting at no.1 to 7. Kohli had been dismissed on a duck by a pacer on all 13 occasions in the past, however, on Friday, Maharaj became the first-ever spinner to hand former India captain a duck in ODIs. England's Adil Rashid is the only spinner to have dismissed Kohli on a duck in T20Is while Moeen Ali and Ajaz Patel have dismissed him on a duck in Tests. Also Read: 'I am not surprised': Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's shocking decision to quit Test captaincy A long drought without a hundred for Virat Kohli Kohli's century drought continues to extend in international cricket as the batting maestro struggles to find consistency with the willow. He has now gone 17 innings without a century in ODIs - his longest streak without scoring a ton in the fifty-over format. After Kohli's dismissal, skipper Rahul combined with Rishabh Pant to steady the ship for India as both batters notched up half-centuries apiece. While Pant slammed a quickfire 85 off 71 balls, Rahul notched up 55 off 79 deliveries to add 115 runs for the third wicket.

Virat Kohli creates unwanted record after 5-ball duck in 2nd ODI against South Africa

Virat Kohli decided to step down as India's Test captain last week sending shockwaves across the cricket fraternity. Kohli announced his decision on social media post India's 2-1 defeat in the recently-concluded three-match Test series against South Africa. Kohli was on his way to becoming one of the greatest Test captains of all time and was expected to continue leading the Indian team in the longest format.

However, Kohli decided to bring an end to his seven-year tenure as the captain of the Indian team in the longest format. Ever since his unexpected move, several former cricketers and experts have tried to decode the reason behind his decision and give their opinion on the matter.

Recently, former England captain Kevin Pietersen reacted to Kohli's shocking decision of quitting India's Test captaincy and explained why playing in bio-bubbles in the current times of COVID-19 could have been one of the biggest reasons behind Kohli's decision.

Pietersen said it is not easy for athletes&nbsp;around the world to play in bio-bubbles as it takes a severe toll on physical and mental health.&nbsp;"People who are critical of the modern-day sportsmen I think are foolish because these bio-bubbles are very hard to play in," Pietersen told PTI.

"It will be very unfair to be too harsh, to be critical. Because you have not looked at Virat Kohli. Kohli needs crowds, he gets going (from it), he is an entertainer," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-are-lucky-they-have-many-options-kevin-pietersen-names-who-should-take-over-as-test-captain-446401">India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain</a>

The former England captain further stated that he is not surprised by Kohli's decision of quitting the leadership role explaining that the 33-year-old might have felt the urge to step down from the top post to take some pressure off his back and focus on his batting.

"I'm actually not surprised that Virat wants just a little bit of a break from that extra pressure because it's damn difficult playing in these bubbles," Pietersen said.

"It's very difficult to judge all International sportsmen, be it premier league footballers or any sportsman around the world, playing in a pandemic. As a batter, I feed on the energy of players, and there are a lot of these players, be it in football, rugby or tennis," he added.

Kohli will not be leading India in any format going forward having left the T20I captaincy last year before being replaced as the ODI captain of the side by Rohit Sharma. He will continue to be a vital cog for the team across all three formats as a batter.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Virat Kohli decided to step down as India's Test captain last week sending shockwaves across the cricket fraternity. Kohli announced his decision on social media post India's 2-1 defeat in the recently-concluded three-match Test series against South Africa.

Virat Kohli decided to step down as India's Test captain last week sending shockwaves across the cricket fraternity. Kohli announced his decision on social media post India's 2-1 defeat in the recently-concluded three-match Test series against South Africa. Kohli was on his way to becoming one of the greatest Test captains of all time and was expected to continue leading the Indian team in the longest format. However, Kohli decided to bring an end to his seven-year tenure as the captain of the Indian team in the longest format. Ever since his unexpected move, several former cricketers and experts have tried to decode the reason behind his decision and give their opinion on the matter. Recently, former England captain Kevin Pietersen reacted to Kohli's shocking decision of quitting India's Test captaincy and explained why playing in bio-bubbles in the current times of COVID-19 could have been one of the biggest reasons behind Kohli's decision. Pietersen said it is not easy for athletes around the world to play in bio-bubbles as it takes a severe toll on physical and mental health. "People who are critical of the modern-day sportsmen I think are foolish because these bio-bubbles are very hard to play in," Pietersen told PTI. "It will be very unfair to be too harsh, to be critical. Because you have not looked at Virat Kohli. Kohli needs crowds, he gets going (from it), he is an entertainer," he added. Also Read: India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain The former England captain further stated that he is not surprised by Kohli's decision of quitting the leadership role explaining that the 33-year-old might have felt the urge to step down from the top post to take some pressure off his back and focus on his batting. "I'm actually not surprised that Virat wants just a little bit of a break from that extra pressure because it's damn difficult playing in these bubbles," Pietersen said. "It's very difficult to judge all International sportsmen, be it premier league footballers or any sportsman around the world, playing in a pandemic. As a batter, I feed on the energy of players, and there are a lot of these players, be it in football, rugby or tennis," he added. Kohli will not be leading India in any format going forward having left the T20I captaincy last year before being replaced as the ODI captain of the side by Rohit Sharma. He will continue to be a vital cog for the team across all three formats as a batter.

'I am not surprised': Kevin Pietersen reacts to Virat Kohli's shocking decision to quit Test captaincy

A lot of changes have happened in Indian cricket post the Men's T20 World Cup, held last year in the UAE. Virat Kohli had already announced that the World Cup will be his last assignment as the captain in the shortest format. He stepped down post the showpiece event, being succeeded by Rohit Sharma, whereas the BCCI national selectors sacked him as the ODI captain, making Rohit the white-ball skipper altogether.

After the end of the three-match Test series between India and South Africa, in the rainbow nation, Kohli also stepped down as the red-ball captain. While many believe things aren't at its best between Kohli and the BCCI -- post the former's explosive presser prior to the SA tour -- former chief selector Kiron More opened up on how things have shaped up in recent times and sympathised with Kohli.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-are-lucky-they-have-many-options-kevin-pietersen-names-who-should-take-over-as-test-captain-446401">India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain</a>

"The way he has left is a bit sad. The way people have treated him, and I am not talking of the BCCI, and criticised him was not fair. He has played a lot of cricket, he has done well for India. The way he played any form of cricket, he had that quality. He always showed the character that he wanted to win," More told News18.

He further asserted, "Let's not forget he is a World Cup winner (2011). He has got 70 international hundreds and is a special player. I am disappointed with the way people were talking about him and the way his captaincy was criticised. For me, he is a legend. Performance-wise, we cannot touch him. I am not worried about him stepping down from T20 or ODI captaincy. That is part of life. The way people were criticising him was not good."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-kohli-were-sitting-apart-former-pak-spinner-makes-glaring-remark-after-indias-1st-odi-loss-446377">Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss</a>

With Kohli stepping down as the Test captain, Rohit is touted to be the frontrunner to take over as the all-format captain. More reflected on Rohit-Rahul Dravid partnership and opined on Kohli the batter going forward. He feels the transition will take time and has backed Kohli to dominate with the bat. "This always happens. People have to come together and regroup. That's the job of Rahul Dravid and the selectors. They are matured cricketers. It is not going to be easy and will take time for the Indian team to settle down. Test cricket is not easy, no matter what. You play Test cricket with your heart. He’s got to perform. Kohli’s 79 and 29 in Cape Town were like 150 on difficult pitch," the former keeper-batter said.

"It is not easy to leave captaincy. He was the captain in all three formats. He must have decided to focus on his batting and win matches for the country. He has always played freely to score 70 international hundreds. Time comes in every captain’s life to move on. Every captain feels it and perhaps he has felt it now," More concluded.

A lot of changes have happened in Indian cricket post the Men's T20 World Cup, held last year in the UAE. Virat Kohli had already announced that the World Cup will be his last assignment as the captain in the shortest format.

A lot of changes have happened in Indian cricket post the Men's T20 World Cup, held last year in the UAE. Virat Kohli had already announced that the World Cup will be his last assignment as the captain in the shortest format. He stepped down post the showpiece event, being succeeded by Rohit Sharma, whereas the BCCI national selectors sacked him as the ODI captain, making Rohit the white-ball skipper altogether. After the end of the three-match Test series between India and South Africa, in the rainbow nation, Kohli also stepped down as the red-ball captain. While many believe things aren't at its best between Kohli and the BCCI -- post the former's explosive presser prior to the SA tour -- former chief selector Kiron More opened up on how things have shaped up in recent times and sympathised with Kohli. ALSO READ | India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain "The way he has left is a bit sad. The way people have treated him, and I am not talking of the BCCI, and criticised him was not fair. He has played a lot of cricket, he has done well for India. The way he played any form of cricket, he had that quality. He always showed the character that he wanted to win," More told News18. He further asserted, "Let's not forget he is a World Cup winner (2011). He has got 70 international hundreds and is a special player. I am disappointed with the way people were talking about him and the way his captaincy was criticised. For me, he is a legend. Performance-wise, we cannot touch him. I am not worried about him stepping down from T20 or ODI captaincy. That is part of life. The way people were criticising him was not good." ALSO READ | Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss With Kohli stepping down as the Test captain, Rohit is touted to be the frontrunner to take over as the all-format captain. More reflected on Rohit-Rahul Dravid partnership and opined on Kohli the batter going forward. He feels the transition will take time and has backed Kohli to dominate with the bat. "This always happens. People have to come together and regroup. That's the job of Rahul Dravid and the selectors. They are matured cricketers. It is not going to be easy and will take time for the Indian team to settle down. Test cricket is not easy, no matter what. You play Test cricket with your heart. He’s got to perform. Kohli’s 79 and 29 in Cape Town were like 150 on difficult pitch," the former keeper-batter said. "It is not easy to leave captaincy. He was the captain in all three formats. He must have decided to focus on his batting and win matches for the country. He has always played freely to score 70 international hundreds. Time comes in every captain’s life to move on. Every captain feels it and perhaps he has felt it now," More concluded.

'Way people treated him...': Ex-BCCI selector opines on Virat Kohli post his Test captaincy resignation

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has named India's next Test captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the captain of the red-ball format on January 15. The 33-year-old Kohli surprised one and all with his decision, only a day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation.

Kohli shared the news with one and all and tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-ganguly-wanted-to-issue-showcause-notice-to-kohli-following-his-explosive-presser-report-446249">BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report</a>

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🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/huBL6zZ7fZ">pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1482340422987169794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Since then, many former cricketers and experts of the game have shared their suggestions regarding who can take over from Kohli in whites. Ex-England cricketer Pietersen also opened up in this regard and feels India have plenty of options to choose from.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-kohli-were-sitting-apart-former-pak-spinner-makes-glaring-remark-after-indias-1st-odi-loss-446377">Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss</a>

“You (India) are so lucky that you have so many options for the captain. I will probably stick with Rohit Sharma. He is a great leader, I love the authority he commands. He makes fabulous decisions and we’ve seen them with Mumbai Indians, he has won so many titles with them. More importantly, I am really looking forward to how Rahul Dravid is with that team – can he do it with the youngsters, can he do it with the big guys,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by&nbsp;India Today.

The national selectors have a tough decision&nbsp;to make in order to choose India's next captain in the purest format. Under Kohli, India dominated at home, played the inaugural WTC final, won a Test series in Australia and have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom, held in mid-2021.

The contenders for the top job are Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pan and&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has named India's next Test captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the captain of the red-ball format on January 15. The 33-year-old Kohli surprised one and all with his decision, only a day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has named India's next Test captain after Virat Kohli stepped down as the captain of the red-ball format on January 15. The 33-year-old Kohli surprised one and all with his decision, only a day after India lost the three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation. Kohli shared the news with one and all and tweeted saying, "Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. It’s been 7 years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance every day to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there. Everything has to come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test Captain of India, it’s now." ALSO READ | BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/huBL6zZ7fZ — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 15, 2022 × Since then, many former cricketers and experts of the game have shared their suggestions regarding who can take over from Kohli in whites. Ex-England cricketer Pietersen also opened up in this regard and feels India have plenty of options to choose from. ALSO READ | Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss “You (India) are so lucky that you have so many options for the captain. I will probably stick with Rohit Sharma. He is a great leader, I love the authority he commands. He makes fabulous decisions and we’ve seen them with Mumbai Indians, he has won so many titles with them. More importantly, I am really looking forward to how Rahul Dravid is with that team – can he do it with the youngsters, can he do it with the big guys,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by India Today. The national selectors have a tough decision to make in order to choose India's next captain in the purest format. Under Kohli, India dominated at home, played the inaugural WTC final, won a Test series in Australia and have an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom, held in mid-2021. The contenders for the top job are Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pan and Jasprit Bumrah.

India are lucky they have many options: Kevin Pietersen names who should take over as Test captain

KL Rahul-led Team India lost the first ODI, of the three-match series, versus Temba Bavuma's South Africa at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday (January 19). Opting to bat first, Proteas were reduced to 68 for 3 before Bavuma's 110 and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled the home side to 296-4 in 50 overs. In reply, India managed 265-8 courtesy fifties from Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Shardul Thakur.

Ahead of the second and penultimate ODI between both sides, on Friday (January 21), former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made a glaring remark. Kaneria feels Indian team is divided in two groups, claiming that stand-in captain Rahul and Kohli are not on the same page. Earlier, reports were doing the rounds that there was a rift Kohli and limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma. However, Kohli had tarnished all such reports before the SA tour.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/sports/icc-reveals-full-schedule-for-2022-t20-world-cup-rohit-sharmas-team-india-to-begin-campaign-vs-pakistan-446363">ICC reveals full schedule for 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma's Team India to begin campaign vs Pakistan</a>

Kaneria told in a video on his Youtube channel, "We saw that the Indian dressing room was divided into two groups. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were sitting apart. Also, Kohli wasn’t in the same mood as he used to be when he was the captain. But he’s a team man and will come back stronger."

Kaneria's claims make heads turn given Rahul has lavished praise on Kohli ahead of the ODIs. Talking about the former captain Kohli, the 33-year-old took the field for the first time after giving up captaincy altogether -- quitting as T20I and Test captain whereas he was&nbsp;sacked as ODI skipper.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-ganguly-wanted-to-issue-showcause-notice-to-kohli-following-his-explosive-presser-report-446249">BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report</a>

Kaneria feels India will be eager to sign off from South Africa with an ODI series win, losing the Tests 2-1. However, the tainted spinner opines that India need to stand tall after lacking intensity in the series opener. "After losing the Test series, India would be eager to redeem themselves and clinch the ODI rubber. But Rahul hasn’t shown that spark until now. He had led in the Test series but wasn’t able to lift the team to break the South African partnership. At one stage, it didn’t look like the Proteas would put up 296 on the scoreboard. Lack of intensity from the Indian team helped the opposition in scoring such a total. There were also fielding lapses from the visitors," said the former Pakistan spinner.

The second and penultimate ODI is being held at the same venue on Friday.

KL Rahul-led Team India lost the first ODI, of the three-match series, versus Temba Bavuma's South Africa at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday (January 19). Opting to bat first, Proteas were reduced to 68 for 3 before Bavuma's 110 and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled the home side to 296-4 in 50 overs.

KL Rahul-led Team India lost the first ODI, of the three-match series, versus Temba Bavuma's South Africa at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday (January 19). Opting to bat first, Proteas were reduced to 68 for 3 before Bavuma's 110 and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled the home side to 296-4 in 50 overs. In reply, India managed 265-8 courtesy fifties from Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Shardul Thakur. Ahead of the second and penultimate ODI between both sides, on Friday (January 21), former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made a glaring remark. Kaneria feels Indian team is divided in two groups, claiming that stand-in captain Rahul and Kohli are not on the same page. Earlier, reports were doing the rounds that there was a rift Kohli and limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma. However, Kohli had tarnished all such reports before the SA tour. ALSO READ | ICC reveals full schedule for 2022 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma's Team India to begin campaign vs Pakistan Kaneria told in a video on his Youtube channel, "We saw that the Indian dressing room was divided into two groups. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were sitting apart. Also, Kohli wasn’t in the same mood as he used to be when he was the captain. But he’s a team man and will come back stronger." Kaneria's claims make heads turn given Rahul has lavished praise on Kohli ahead of the ODIs. Talking about the former captain Kohli, the 33-year-old took the field for the first time after giving up captaincy altogether -- quitting as T20I and Test captain whereas he was sacked as ODI skipper. ALSO READ | BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report Kaneria feels India will be eager to sign off from South Africa with an ODI series win, losing the Tests 2-1. However, the tainted spinner opines that India need to stand tall after lacking intensity in the series opener. "After losing the Test series, India would be eager to redeem themselves and clinch the ODI rubber. But Rahul hasn’t shown that spark until now. He had led in the Test series but wasn’t able to lift the team to break the South African partnership. At one stage, it didn’t look like the Proteas would put up 296 on the scoreboard. Lack of intensity from the Indian team helped the opposition in scoring such a total. There were also fielding lapses from the visitors," said the former Pakistan spinner. The second and penultimate ODI is being held at the same venue on Friday.

Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss

India and South Africa will square off with each other in the second and penultimate ODI on Friday (January 21). After losing the three-match ODI series opener convincingly, KL Rahul-led India will feel the pressure as they have only a day to regroup and keep the series alive.&nbsp;

Talking about the first ODI, Temba Bavuma-led Proteas won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite the hosts being reduced to 68-3, Bavuma's 110 and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled SA to a daunting 296-4 in 50 overs. Bavuma-Rassie's 204-run fourth-wicket stand took the game away from the visitors despite being on the back foot at the start.

In the run-chase, Rahul &amp; Co. rode on an impressive 98-run second-wicket stand between Virat Kohli (51) and Shikhar Dhawan (79). However, the duo's dismissals brought the home side back into the contest as the middle and lower order failed to put up a fight from thereon. Shardul Thakur's 50 not out ensured India played their full quota of overs, to end at 265-8.

For the second and penultimate ODI, India will ring in a few&nbsp;changes in the line-up. Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad might get a look-in whereas Deepak Chahar can be considered to bolster the pace department.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-ganguly-wanted-to-issue-showcause-notice-to-kohli-following-his-explosive-presser-report-446249">BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report</a>

Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc.&nbsp;

When is South Africa vs India 2nd ODI match taking place?

South Africa vs India 2nd ODI is scheduled to take place on January 21, 2022.&nbsp;

Where is South Africa vs India 2nd ODI taking place?

South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will take place at the Boland Park, Paarl in South Africa.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-quinton-de-kock-pulls-off-an-ms-dhoni-esque-stumping-to-get-rid-of-rishabh-pant-in-1st-odi-446191">WATCH: Quinton de Kock pulls off an MS Dhoni-esque stumping to get rid of Rishabh Pant in 1st ODI</a>

At what time South Africa vs India 2nd ODI taking place?

South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will kick off at 2:00pm (IST).

How to watch South Africa vs India 2nd ODI live on TV?

South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada.&nbsp;

How to watch South Africa vs India 2nd ODI live streaming?

South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.&nbsp;

India and South Africa will square off with each other in the second and penultimate ODI on Friday (January 21). After losing the three-match ODI series opener convincingly, KL Rahul-led India will feel the pressure as they have only a day to regroup and keep the series alive.

India and South Africa will square off with each other in the second and penultimate ODI on Friday (January 21). After losing the three-match ODI series opener convincingly, KL Rahul-led India will feel the pressure as they have only a day to regroup and keep the series alive. Talking about the first ODI, Temba Bavuma-led Proteas won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite the hosts being reduced to 68-3, Bavuma's 110 and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled SA to a daunting 296-4 in 50 overs. Bavuma-Rassie's 204-run fourth-wicket stand took the game away from the visitors despite being on the back foot at the start. In the run-chase, Rahul & Co. rode on an impressive 98-run second-wicket stand between Virat Kohli (51) and Shikhar Dhawan (79). However, the duo's dismissals brought the home side back into the contest as the middle and lower order failed to put up a fight from thereon. Shardul Thakur's 50 not out ensured India played their full quota of overs, to end at 265-8. For the second and penultimate ODI, India will ring in a few changes in the line-up. Suryakumar Yadav or Ruturaj Gaikwad might get a look-in whereas Deepak Chahar can be considered to bolster the pace department. ALSO READ | BCCI President Ganguly wanted to issue showcause notice to Kohli following his explosive presser - Report Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc. When is South Africa vs India 2nd ODI match taking place? South Africa vs India 2nd ODI is scheduled to take place on January 21, 2022. Where is South Africa vs India 2nd ODI taking place? South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will take place at the Boland Park, Paarl in South Africa. ALSO READ | WATCH: Quinton de Kock pulls off an MS Dhoni-esque stumping to get rid of Rishabh Pant in 1st ODI At what time South Africa vs India 2nd ODI taking place? South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will kick off at 2:00pm (IST). How to watch South Africa vs India 2nd ODI live on TV? South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada. How to watch South Africa vs India 2nd ODI live streaming? South Africa vs India 2nd ODI will be available to watch online/streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar App and the website.

INDvsSA: When and where to watch India vs South Africa 2nd ODI match - IST time and streaming details

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