Rohit Sharma has emerged as the top candidate to take over as India's T20 captain following Virat Kohli's decision to step down from the position following the T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Kohli's failure to win any major world titles in any format had been a contentious issue for many years, especially when compared to Rohit's wins in multi-team tournaments like the Asia Cup, Nidahas Trophy and IPL.
And after the Indian cricket board announced the appointment of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as mentor for the T20 World Cup, it became clear that change was afoot in Indian cricket.
Kohli on Thursday brought some much needed clarity in the leadership structure of India by deciding to move away from T20 captaincy to focus on leadership in Tests and ODIs, and also his batting form which has stalled to an extent, albeit without any alarming dip.
Rohit is widely considered the most astute white-ball captain in Indian cricket, right up there with Dhoni. And former India players are backing the Mumbai batsman to lead the team.
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar said handing the captaincy reins to Rohit was a straightforward decision.
"Rohit deserves to be India's next T20 captain because he has done well whenever he's been given an opportunity to lead India," Vengsarkar told the Times of India.
"In 2018, India won the Asia Cup under his captaincy. Beside that, he's been an exceptional captain for the Mumbai Indians, having led them to five IPL titles."
However, former captain and opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar said while Rohit was the ideal candidate to lead in 20-overs cricket, India should groom KL Rahul as the future white-ball captain.
"It's important to think ahead," Gavaskar told Sports Tak programme.
"He has been performing well in IPL and 50-overs cricket as well at the international stage. He can be made vice-captain."
However, with the 50-over World Cup scheduled to be held in 2023, Indian media is reporting that Rohit could even be named the ODI captain.
That could be a tricky situation as Kohli has made it clear he wishes to continue as Test and ODI captain.
What is also likely to make the situation challenging is the impending change in the coaching structure. Ravi Shastri's tenure is expected to end after the T20 World Cup and whoever replaces him will have to contend with a unique challenge in Indian cricket - split captaincy.
AIR
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Crime%20Wave
%3Cp%3EHeavyweight%20boxer%20Fury%20revealed%20on%20Sunday%20his%20cousin%20had%20been%20%E2%80%9Cstabbed%20in%20the%20neck%E2%80%9D%20and%20called%20on%20the%20courts%20to%20address%20the%20wave%20of%20more%20sentencing%20of%20offenders.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERico%20Burton%2C%2031%2C%20was%20found%20with%20stab%20wounds%20at%20around%203am%20on%20Sunday%20in%20Goose%20Green%2C%20Altrincham%20and%20subsequently%20died%20of%20his%20injuries.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%26nbsp%3B%E2%80%9CMy%20cousin%20was%20murdered%20last%20night%2C%20stabbed%20in%20the%20neck%20this%20is%20becoming%20ridiculous%20%E2%80%A6%20idiots%20carry%20knives.%20This%20needs%20to%20stop%2C%E2%80%9D%0D%20Fury%20said.%20%E2%80%9CAsap%2C%20UK%20government%20needs%20to%20bring%20higher%20sentencing%20for%20knife%20crime%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20a%20pandemic%20%26amp%3B%20you%20don%E2%80%99t%20know%20how%20bad%20it%20is%20until%20%5Bit%E2%80%99s%5D%201%20of%20your%20own!%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
