Virat Kohli ‘favoured KL Rahul’? Manoj Tiwary claims Rohit Sharma was the only India captain who didn’t play favourites

Divy Dubey

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Virat Kohli ‘favoured KL Rahul’? Manoj Tiwary claims Rohit Sharma was the only India captain who didn’t play favourites image

(getty)

In Indian cricket, captaincy has often carried more weight than just picking XIs or field placements. The skipper's preferences can shape careers - especially in a team packed with talent.

Over the years, many captains have been accused of leaning towards certain players - a topic that has regularly stirred debate among fans and experts.

Now former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has added his voice to the discussion - drawing a sharp comparison between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma when it comes to handling selections.

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Manoj Tiwary says Virat Kohli gave KL Rahul early chances

Speaking on InsideSport, Tiwary suggested that Kohli's closeness with KL Rahul played a role in the batter getting extended opportunities at the start of his international career.

"KL Rahul got opportunities initially just because of Virat Kohli. If you go back and see the stats, how many chances he got early on, you will understand the closeness of the player to the captain," Tiwary said.

He added that Kohli had a couple of players in his "close quarters," with Rahul being the most prominent example.

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Tiwary clarified that not every player who thrived under Kohli did so because of personal bonds. Pointing to Mohammed Siraj, he said the pacer had earned his place through performances and work ethic.

"As for Siraj, he has always been a performer. Even if he wasn't close to Kohli, he would have got opportunities because of the kind of bowler he is," Tiwary added.

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Rohit Sharma praised for neutral leadership

In contrast, Tiwary credited Rohit Sharma for leading without any bias. According to him, Rohit's approach makes every player feel equally valued within the squad.

"I never heard about Rohit Sharma playing favourites. Every player wants to be part of the team when he is leading," Tiwary concluded.

Tiwary's comments once again underline the scrutiny Indian captains face - not just for results on the field but also for how they shape the careers of those around them. With the spotlight always on the leadership group, such discussions are unlikely to fade anytime soon.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.