Reports: Rohit Sharma front-runner for Test captaincy

Following Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as the Indian Test skipper, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and national selectors have their task cut out to fill the vacant spot before the start of India’s home season.

As it stands, India have options in KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant but all come with a distinctive set of pros and cons. However, multiple reports suggest the likelihood of inclination towards Rohit, who has already been named the leader of India’s white-ball teams.

The 34-year-old replaced Kohli as the captain after the latter announced his decision to relinquish the captaincy in the shortest format upon the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021 in a bid to manage his workload. Later, Kohli was removed as the ODI captain of the side as the BCCI and selectors decided against having different players leading the white-ball teams.

While all the events unfolded in a way that gave birth to many questions, it was understood that the Test captaincy was secured in the hands of Kohli. However, come January 15, he announced the decision to step down from that role too, as he will continue in all the formats of the game, and also the IPL, in the capacity of only a player.

Meanwhile, apart from Rohit, fellow opener KL Rahul is also in the hunt after he has already been named as the captain for South Africa ODIs in Rohit’s injury-enforced absence. However, should the BCCI have a view of not burdening the same player with all three formats, Rahul could well be seen donning the Test skipper’s hat.

“Rohit Sharma is the front runner to be the test captain but sources say selectors could have a fresh discussion on India’s new Test captain. KL Rahul is the other name. As per the process, a designated vice-captain would become the next captain but selectors could debate all formats captaincy being a burden for one individual and go for a separate captain in tests,” a source told Times Now.

Rahul also led the team in the second of the three Tests against South Africa in Johannesburg recently when Kohli had to sit out with an upper back spasm. He will also be leading the 50-over team with pacer Jasprit Bumrah as his deputy in the upcoming three-match series, which gets underway on January 19.