Picture Credit: BCCI
India are gearing up for the upcoming series against New Zealand starting November 17 in Jaipur. While the new set-up will see Rohit Sharma leading the Men in Blue in the T20I series against the Kiwis with KL Rahul being his deputy, Virat Kohli, who has stepped down from the role of skipper in the shortest format, will look to enjoy his break as he misses the T20I series and the first Test of the two between the sides.
Though Kohli won't be at the helm of affairs in the format anymore for India, Rohit Sharma has stated that the role of Kohli won't change and that he would keep doing what he has done so far for the side.
Virat Kohli is a very important player for the team: Rohit Sharma
“Virat Kohli’s role won’t change. He will keep on doing what he has been doing for the team for so many years,” Rohit said at the virtual press meet on Tuesday. “He is a very important player for the team. Whenever he plays, he creates an impact. He always leaves his mark on the match.”
Praising the batting of Virat Kohli, the Mumbaikar said that Kohli's addition will only strengthen the team as the latter has immense experience of the game.
“Everyone has a different role in the team. And those change based on whether you are batting first or chasing so based on that, roles will keep on changing. Everyone is open to that and I’m sure when Virat comes back, it will only strengthen the team. The wealth of experience he has and the kind of batsman he is, he will only add value to our squad,” Rohit said.
After the game in Jaipur, India and New Zealand will play the second T20I in Ranchi before moving to Kolkata to play the final game of the series on November 21. The Test series between the sides starts November 25 in Kanpur, with the second and final game slated to be begin on December 7 in Mumbai. Kohli will return in the final game that takes place in the Wankhede Stadium.