“The selectors felt that they cannot have two white-ball captains in two white-ball formats – that’s too much of leadership”

“We had requested Virat not to step down as T20 captain but he didn’t want to continue as captain,” Ganguly told PTI. “So, the selectors felt that they cannot have two white-ball captains in two white-ball formats. That’s too much of leadership.”

“I can’t explain more about what all was discussed and what selectors have said, but this is the primary reason for having Rohit as white-ball captain, and Virat accepted it.”

Was there a worry that having two captains for the two white-ball sides would create some sort of confusion? “I don’t know [about confusion], but that’s what they [the selectors] felt,” Ganguly said. “That’s how this conclusion was arrived at – that let Rohit captain in white-ball [cricket] and let Virat be the red-ball skipper.”

Rohit has long been considered a potential captain of the Indian side, not least because of his success at the IPL, where he has led Mumbai Indians to a record five titles in just eight-and-a-half seasons in charge – he had taken over some way into the 2013 season, replacing Ricky Ponting, and has led the team since.

Ganguly didn’t want to talk up India’s chances in ODIs and T20Is under Rohit’s leadership, only saying, “It’s very difficult to predict. I wish him all the best and hope he does a good job.”

The chairman of selectors, Chetan Sharma, and Ganguly have spoken to Kohli about the development, the former India captain said. “Yes, I have spoken to Virat personally and chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma has also spoken to him on the issue.”