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Rohit Sharma has proven himself as a leader time and time again. While he has guided Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League to five titles, even in the limited opportunities that he has got as the skipper of Team India, he has left a mark. However, with Virat Kohli captaining the Men in Blue in all three formats, the Hitman has not really got an opportunity to take up the role full-time and guide India to glory, much like his franchise in the IPL. Former Indian cricketer Kiran More believes that an opportunity for Rohit to lead India is just around the corner.
He feels that the picture will be much clearer after the forthcoming tour of England prior to the T20 World Cup slated to happen in October-November. More reasoned that Kohli has spent a major chunk of his career under MS Dhoni, and like him, he might also consider sharing responsibility in the near future and in Rohit, he has the perfect option too.
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"I think the vision of the board drives these things. I believe Rohit Sharma will get a chance soon. Virat Kohli is a shrewd captain who played under MS Dhoni. How long he wants to captain the ODIs and T20s, he will also think. You will learn a lot more about these decisions after the England tour," More told India TV.
While Virat has led India to many bilateral series wins, there is nothing to show to his credit as far as ICC trophies are concerned. In contrast, Rohit Sharma has five IPL titles in addition to an Asia Cup and the Nidahas Trophy in his trophy cabinet.
"It [Split captaincy] can work in India. What the senior players think about the Indian team's future is very important. With Virat Kohli, captaining three teams isn't that easy plus he has to perform as well. And I give him the credit for it because performing in every format while captaining and winning... but, I think there will be a time when Virat Kohli will say 'Now it's enough, let Rohit lead the side'," More said.
"That will be very healthy actually. And this is a huge message for Indian cricket which will go on and on for generations. It's about respect that if Rohit Sharma is doing good he should be given a chance. I think Virat Kohli will set a great precedent by doing this. The future will hinge on his decision - how much rest he wants if he wants to captain the Test team or the ODI team. He's a human too, his mind gets tired also," he added.
The Indian men's and the women's national teams are set to depart for the United Kingdom in the first week of June for their respective cricketing assignments.