By IANS,
New Delhi: Aakash Chopra says he is surprised at the selectors’ decision to relieve him of the Delhi cricket team’s captaincy as he was told he would lead the side for the entire season.
Chopra missed Delhi’s home tie against Saurashtra last week for his wedding. In his place, Virat Kohli was appointed the stand-in-skipper. The move worked for Delhi as Kohli led the side to its first win of the season.
Chopra was supposed to return for the game against Maharashtra this week after skipping the Saurashtra match, but the selectors had decided to continue with Kohli as captain. A day before the game, the former India opener pulled out, saying he was down with fever.
On losing the captaincy, Chopra said: “It is something which is not under my control. I was told I will be the captain for the entire season. Everyone knew I will be missing a match to get married. But the if selectors feel this is right, then it is fine with me.
“Virat is a friend and I have no problem playing under him. In fact, I am willing to play under anyone,” he added.
Chopra will also not be travelling with the team for Delhi’s last league match against Bengal for which Rajat Bhatia was Saturday named the captain. Kohli will be on national duty for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
“I have not fully recovered,” Chopra told IANS. “The doctor has given me the medicine for five more days, so I did not feel right to take the risk (to play against Bengal). There are still be few niggles in my knee. Once I am fit, I will be joining the side.”
The former India Test player, who has not been among runs this season, said he informed the selectors about his unwillingness to captain the team in future matches.
“I have told the selectors I won’t like to be the captain for the coming matches as I would like to concentrate on my batting.
“My first priority is to get fit and then score runs as that is what I enjoy doing the most,” Chopra added.