Aakash Chopra blind ranks India's T20I captains post IND vs SA 2025 series; Virat Kohli not in top 3

Former India skipper Virat Kohli didn't make it to the top three of Aakash Chopra's blind rankings for the Men in Blue T20I captains. The cricketer-turned-commentator was asked to blind rank Indian captains for the format during a segment on ESPNcricinfo.

Current T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was the first name drawn in the list. Chopra placed the swashbuckling batter at No. 3. He placed the next option, Hardik Pandya, at No. 5.

Legendary wicketkeeper MS Dhoni's name came next, and the ex-cricketer placed him at the top of his list without any hesitation. Notably, under Dhoni's leadership, India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

Filling the two remaining spots, the 48-year-old ranked Kohli No. 4, with 2024 T20 World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma taking the No. 2 spot.

Virat Kohli hit his 58th List A century on Vijay Hazare Trophy return

Virat Kohli has been in spectacular form lately. The right-handed batter was the Player of the Series in India's recently concluded 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa at home.

The seasoned campaigner registered scores of 135 (120 balls) and 102 (93 balls) in the first two fixtures. He ended the series with an unbeaten 65-run knock off 45 balls in the third contest.

Virat Kohli featured in Delhi's playing XI for their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 opener against Andhra in Bengaluru on Wednesday, December 24. It marked his return to the 50-over domestic tournament after almost 15 years.

His purple patch continued as he notched up his 58th List A century. He scored 131 runs from 101 balls with the help of three sixes and 14 fours.

Kohli's batting exploits helped Delhi claim a four-wicket win. The side chased the 299-run target in 37.4 overs. During his knock, the star batter also became the fastest player to cross the 16,000-run mark in List A cricket, achieving the feat in his 330th innings.

Delhi will now take on Gujarat in Bengaluru on Friday, December 26. They are currently the table-toppers of Group D with two points and a net run rate of 2.005.

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Edited by Aditya Suketu Desai