I will stick to Rohit Sharma as India’s next Test skipper: Kevin Pietersen

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has backed Rohit Sharma to become the next skipper of the Indian Test team. The Test captaincy position is vacant after Virat Kohli decided to step down post the loss in the three-match Test series against South Africa. Sharma is already named captain the white-ball formats. However, he is currently battling with hamstring injury and hasn’t participated in the ongoing tour of South Africa.

He took over the duties of captaincy of T20I format in the three-match series against New Zealand at home. The Men In Blue thrashed the Kiwis by 3-0. He was made the ODI skipper ahead of the tour to rainbow nation. He was also made the vice-captain of the Test team but got injured ahead of the tour and was ruled out. Currently, Rohit is recovering and is expected to make a comeback for the home series against the West Indies.

Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen has praised the 34-year-old saying that he is a great leader and makes fabulous decisions on the field. The former England skipper also spoke about Rohit’s IPL captaincy where he has five trophies for Mumbai Indians.

“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,” Kevin Pietersen told India Today.

Not Surprised by Virat Kohli’s decision, says Kevin Pietersen

Th 41-year-old added that he was not surprised to see Virat Kohli stepping down from the leadership role. He explained how captaincy takes its toll on players and impacts their personal lives. “Virat is an entertainer and for any athlete, it is very difficult to live in these bio bubbles. It does not just take a toll on the players but their families too. Something had to burst and the bubbles have to burst sometime or another.

“Virat is an entertainer and these bubbles may have taken a couple of years away from Virat’s career. As a player, if you give me no crowd it is very difficult to play. So I am not shocked (at Virat’s decision). When the crowds do come back, you watch Virat Kohli go again,” Pietersen added