Virat Kohli stepped down from T20I captaincy after India’s poor show in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Soon after, the BCCI removed him from the ODI captain’s role and handed it over to Rohit Sharma. A few months later, Kohli also gave up the Test captaincy in 2022.

Rohit Sharma Leads India to Glory

Rohit Sharma’s captaincy brought success. First, India won the T20 World Cup under his leadership. Then, in 2025, India lifted the Champions Trophy, further proving Rohit's leadership strength.

Varun Chakaravarthy Shares His Experience

In a recent chat on R Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy spoke about the leadership styles of both Kohli and Rohit. Varun has played under both captains and shared a unique perspective.

Praising Kohli, Varun said, “Virat is a true leader. When you just see him, when you just observe what he is doing and you must have also noticed the match against Pakistan, you were also there. We lost first two wickets to Shaheen Shah Afridi. But when Virat came, he stepped down and hit Shaheen for six and it was so inspiring and motivational, but how he is giving it back and all this.”

He added that Kohli has the power to uplift the team’s spirits. “So Virat is exceptional, as in the way he can cheer up everyone. So the main thing was whenever I spoke to him his answers were very motivational.”

On the other hand, Varun said Rohit has a more tactical approach. “When I spoke to Rohit Sharma, it was very tactical. So it was two different parts.”

Ashwin Supports Varun’s View

Ashwin, who hosted the conversation, agreed with Varun’s comments. He described Kohli as a captain who inspires through action. “So one is inspirational, the other one more tactical, which I kind of resonate. Because Virat goes and does things. He is there in your eye line, the way he trains, the way he practices, what he does.”

He then explained Rohit’s strength. “But Rohit does understand a lot more tactics in terms of what he does. Everything is tactical in terms of field placement, this batsman, this shot and all that.”

A New Era Begins in Indian Cricket

Now, both Kohli and Rohit have retired from T20Is and Test cricket. A new generation is stepping in. Shubman Gill has taken over as captain, and Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain in the ongoing India vs England Test series.