Kevin Pietersen: Rohit Sharma Should Be Named As Test Captain Of India

Virat Kohli ended his 8-year tenure as Test captain after 3 match Test series

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has backed 'great leader' Rohit Sharma to take over as India Test captain while suggesting that “harsh” bio-bubble life could be one of the reasons for Virat Kohli quitting the captaincy.

“I like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, you are spoilt for choice. Rishabh Pant not yet maybe in one day (cricket) yes. Sharma and Rahul are very fine cricketers. I like Hitman (Rohit Sharma), I love watching his cricket. He has done well for Mumbai Indians and he is next in line.”

Virat Kohli shocked the cricketing world when he announced his decision to quit the Test captaincy. It came a day after India lost a 3-match Test series to South Africa in South Africa. Kohli brought an end to his 8-year tenure as Test captain during which he emerged as India's most successful skipper in the longest format of the game.

"You (India) are so lucky that you have so many options for the captain. I will probably stick with Rohit Sharma. He is a great Leader, I love the authority he commands. He makes fabulous decisions and we’ve seen them with Mumbai Indians, he has won so many titles with them.

More importantly, I am looking forward to how Rahul Dravid is with that team - can he do it with the youngsters, can he do it with the big guys," Kevin Pietersen told India Today.

"Virat is an entertainer and for any athlete, it is very difficult to live in these bio bubbles. It does not just take a toll on the players but their families too. Something had to burst and the bubbles have to burst sometime or another. Virat is an entertainer and these bubbles may have taken a couple of years away from Virat’s career.

As a player, if you give me no crowd it is very difficult to play. So, I am not shocked (at Virat’s decision) When the crowds do come back, you watch Virat Kohli go again," Pietersen added.