India’s next Test captain: 5 most likely candidate to take up Virat Kohli’s role
Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell on the Indian cricketing fraternity on 15th January as he stepped down from India’s Test captaincy. The former Indian Test captain posted a detailed note from his social media accounts that explained his decision. Leaving behind a stellar legacy, it will be difficult for any future Indian Test captain to match the success that Kohli achieved. However, change is the only constant. Here are five candidates who will be in line to become India’s next captain.
Rohit Sharma
The frontrunner for the job, Rohit Sharma has been the favourite name of the selectors whenever it comes to appointing a new captain. After India crashed out of the T20 World Cup group stage, he replaced Virat Kohli as India’s T20I captain. The Hitman was later appointed as India’s ODI captain too since the selectors wanted the same leader in both the white-ball formats. With him being India’s first-choice opener in Test cricket, Rohit may get the nod as the Test captain.
The biggest obstacles to Rohit’s appointment will be his fitness and the workload. It won’t be easy for the 34-year old to turn up 100% for all of India’s matches in all three formats. Considering India’s packed schedule in international cricket, the selectors might decide against Rohit – the Test captain.
KL Rahul
The second strongest contender to become India’s next Test captain is KL Rahul. The opening batsman has made a fairytale comeback to the longest format. His inclusion in the Test team on England tour came at the expense of Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill suffering injuries. Rahul grabbed the opportunity with both his hands and he has been a consistent performer since then.
As far as the leadership role is concerned, Rahul has led an IPL team. He led India in the 2nd Test against South Africa in Johannesburg with both Kohli and Rohit being unavailable. He will also be captaining India in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. It will be a perfect opportunity for the opener to boost his leadership credentials.
Jasprit Bumrah
India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, is also in the race to become India’s Test captain. While fast bowling captains are a rarity, Pat Cummins has set a wonderful example for other nations to follow. While Bumrah has not led any senior team, the bowler has cricketing brains and it is extremely evident in his bowling. If fit, Bumrah is a certainty in every Indian team so there are no questions on his availability. The only concern with Bumrah’s appointment will be whether the captaincy role will come at the cost of his workload management or not.
Rishabh Pant
The 24-year old has impressed one and all with his batting in the longest format. With his keeping skills improving all the time, he is an integral part of the Indian Test team. The youngster has led his state team and has been at the helm of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. A definite contender for India’s Test captaincy in future, the BCCI will have to decide if the wicketkeeper is to be groomed for the future or is ready for the job now.
R Ashwin
The off-spinner has already earned a place among India’s greatest spinners of all time. Ashwin is known to be a thinker who spends a lot of time mastering the nuances of the game. As a senior pro, Ashwin has led in the IPL and also has the experience of leading his state side. The 34-year old could prove to be an excellent stop-gap option while the team management grooms their future Test captain. The only worry in the case of Ashwin will be the uncertainty around his spot in the overseas Tests.
