Former Indian cricketer Subramniam Badrinath questioned why star batsman Virat Kohli is not leading the team in the longer format despite having a great record after India’s crushing defeat to South Africa in the opening Test. He also added that Rohit is not a proven opener in foreign conditions. India recently lost by an innings and 32 runs to South Africa in the opening Test of their two-match series, which concluded in just three days. India’s dream of winning a Test series in the testing conditions of Africa has not materialised since the team first toured South Africa in 1992–1993.
Kohli’s track record as a test leader is excellent. As a captain, he has amassed over 5000 runs at an average of 52+. In 68 tests, he has 40 victories and 17 defeats. We won the Australia series handily thanks to his leadership. Subramaniam Badrinath posted on his YouTube channel, “After Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh, he has the most victories as Test captain.” In 68 Test matches, Virat has led India to 40 victories, 17 losses, and 11 draws. As a skipper, he has a win percentage of over 58%. As captain, he also guided India to a series victory in Australia and multiple historic victories in Tests and series in England, South Africa, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka. We can take all that into account. But in my opinion, Rohit Sharma hasn’t shown that he can open games outside of India. For what reason is he present?” Badrinath continued.
Although Rohit’s record in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and South Africa) nations, where India has historically been weak, is not great—in 21 Tests across these nations, he has scored 1,182 runs at an average of 30.30, with a century and six fifties in 42 innings. Rohit has a fine Test record, having scored 3,682 runs in 53 Tests at an average of 45.45, with 10 centuries and 16 fifties in 90 innings.
