Rohit Sharma named India’s Test captain ahead of Sri Lanka series

The entire hullabaloo over who’ll be India’s next Test captain has been laid to rest as Rohit Sharma is set to take the role on full-time basis. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the major announcement on Saturday (February 19), while announcing squads for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. India will host the Lankan Lions in three T20Is and two Test matches, starting on February 24.

This series will also mark Rohit’s first assignment as Test skipper and the veteran opener would be raring to make a mark. For the unversed, the crucial position was left vacant after Virat Kohli decided to step down following India’s 1-2 defeat against South Africa last month. Rohit, who also has the reins of the ODI and T20I team, has been doing well in the longest format lately.

Rohit Sharma becomes India’s all-format captain

However, his appointment wasn’t obvious as the opener has been prone to injuries and will turn 35 in April this year. Hence, many experts reckoned either KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant should take over the role. Nonetheless, BCCI have showed their faith in Rohit, who has been a proven captain in white-ball cricket.

However, he’s yet to take the leadership role in Test matches. Meanwhile, this also means Rohit is now India’s all-format captain and expectations are pretty high from him. As far as Rohit’s predecessor is concerned, Kohli continues to be a vital part of the national team across formats. Notably, the first Test, which takes place in Mohali, will mark Kohli’s 100th appearance in the format and the 33-year-old would like to celebrate the occasion with a special knock.

Meanwhile, Team India will have a point to prove as their last Test assignment wasn’t fruitful by any means. As mentioned above, India suffered a 1-2 defeat in the rainbow nation last month. Nonetheless, they are unlikely to face much trouble against Sri Lanka, who haven’t been doing too well lately.