India had a clear succession plan in place in 2015 post-MS Dhoni’s retirement. Virat Kohli was groomed under Dhoni for a significant period of time. So when the time arrived Kohli was ready to take on the captaincy mantle.
Seven years down the line, India currently doesn’t seem to have that luxury. Kohli’s resignation as Test captain has surely left a vacuum in the leadership role. India doesn’t have a ready Test captain in waiting. They have to make a tough call regarding who should be the next Test captain of India.
We look at 5 captaincy contenders for the role:
#5 Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is arguably one of India’s biggest match-winners. He has proven himself time and again across conditions. Ashwin sure had a forgettable series against South Africa but that cannot undo his contributions to the team.
He possesses a smart cricketing brain, prides himself on playing Test cricket for the country. There can’t be a better servant to Indian cricket than Ashwin at this juncture. He is a certain wild card contender for the Test captaincy.
#4 Jasprit Bumrah
The appointment of Pat Cummins as Australian captain has opened up the idea of a bowler being a captain. Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada along with Cummins are currently the best 3 Test pacers in the world. Bumrah arguably is the best all-format bowler. He possesses a cool head on his shoulders.
Bumrah is extremely sharp when it comes to implementing his skills. He is often at his captain’s ears while fielding. He would sure make for an interesting choice as Test captain.
#3 Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant is the youngest name on this list. He is a proven performer in the Test format. Despite being young in age, Pant has shown exemplary skills in setting up games and winning them for the country. His knocks in Sydney, Gabba, and Centurion clearly defied his age. He has experience leading the Delhi side in IPL. Pant is a vital contributor to the Indian team. He can be a long-term prospect if considered for Test captaincy.
#2 KL Rahul
KL Rahul has seen a metamorphic rise in the past six months. He was the backup opener for the England series before an injury to Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal opened up an opportunity for him. Rahul grabbed the chance with both hands. He won the player of the match awards in India’s win at Lords and Centurion. Rahul even stood in as captain in Virat Kohli’s absence in Johannesburg. At 29, Rahul looks the ideal contender for the job notwithstanding his poor IPL captaincy record.
#1 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is the likeliest contender to become the next Test captain. He was the vice-captain of the Test team before an injury ruled him out of the South Africa series. Sharma has been India’s best Test batsman in the last 2 years. At 35, age and fitness are certainly not his friends. But Sharma has wealth of captaincy experience. He is the most successful IPL captain. Sharma can groom a young leader under him until the next WTC cycle (2023).
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