Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt claims Virat Kohli was "systematically removed" as Test captain, contradicting comments suggesting he voluntarily stepped down. In a candid YouTube session, Butt expressed his views on Kohli's departure, highlighting a lack of communication between the Indian skipper and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also criticized the decision to replace Kohli with Rohit Sharma and questioned the effectiveness of such a move.
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| India's Virat Kohli during the WTC Final against Australia(Action Images via Reuters) |
New Delhi: India's recent defeat in the World Test Championship final against Australia has led to renewed scrutiny of Rohit Sharma's captaincy in the longer format. Fans on social media have revisited Kohli's controversial exit as Test captain, and Butt's comments have added fuel to the fire. Speaking on YouTube, Butt emphasized that Kohli's departure was not voluntary, as some claimed, but rather a deliberate decision by the board.
Referring to Kohli's press conference in December 2021, where he cited a lack of communication from the BCCI's top management, Butt argued that Kohli himself hinted at a strained relationship with then-board president Sourav Ganguly. The former Pakistan captain questioned the board's handling of the situation and expressed his belief that Kohli, a successful captain, should not have been removed.
Recent reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) have suggested that the BCCI might be considering finding a new Test captain after the upcoming series against West Indies, scheduled for July-August this year. The speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's captaincy continues to grow, and the BCCI's decision will be closely observed by cricket enthusiasts and fans worldwide.