Who Could Be India’s Next Vice-captain?: Day two of the Delhi Test proceeded at a brisk pace. India started the day at 21-0. They were reduced to 139-7 at one stage. Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin then rescued India from a precarious position.
Ashwin’s wicket though brought a premature end to India’s innings. India conceded a one-run lead to finish at 262. Australia came out all guns blazing to stretch their lead to 62 at the end of the day. India’s grasp on the Test has seemingly slipped off.
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The travail of KL Rahul:
Cricket experts and fans believed that Shubman Gill should have started the series ahead of KL Rahul. The latter has been struggling with poor form over a considerable period of time. Rahul averages an ordinary 34 post-46 Tests.
He failed to get going in the first innings of this Test too. His wicket opened up the floodgates as India’s top order crumbled once again. If Rahul fails again in the second innings he is certain to get ousted. The vice captain’s role will be up for grabs.
India’s recent history with vice-captains:
It was Ajinkya Rahane who remained Virat Kohli’s understudy when Kohli was the captain. He was the longest-serving vice-captain in recent memory. Post Kohli’s departure as captain and Rahane’s poor form, there have been musical chairs surrounding this position.
Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul have all been given the role. The injuries to the other two led Rahul to occupy the spot in recent times. But it seems as if his stint with vice-captaincy will be ending soon.
We look at who could be India’s next vice-captain in Tests:
#3 Ravindra Jadeja
He is the number 1 allrounder in the world across formats. Ravindra Jadeja showcased his credentials in the first Test. He hurt Australia with both bat and ball. Jadeja is one of the first names on a team sheet irrespective of the conditions. He is someone who could contribute to the side in a very unassuming manner. But Jadeja though has never been considered in the leadership group. The time is ripe to reward with an elevation.
#2 Ravichandran Ashwin
The legendary spinner has been India’s biggest MVP in the format. Ravichandran Ashwin has 460 Test wickets to his name. He is a valuable contributor with the bat too. He is arguably the finest student of the game in the team.
Ashwin is almost always two steps ahead of the opposition. He could be an ideal vice-captaincy candidate until the time the team completes its transition. Ashwin’s promotion can be the team’s way of rewarding his match-winning abilities.
#1 Shreyas Iyer
He walked right back into the side after suffering from an injury. Shreyas Iyer along with Rishabh Pant has been two of India’s finest Test batters in recent times. His ability to play spin on difficult tracks is special. Iyer effortlessly keeps the scoreboard ticking despite batting in difficult situations.
He has a calm head on his shoulders that allows him to stay in the moment. Iyer’s leadership qualities have already found acceptance at the franchise level. He looks like the right choice for the role.
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