Who Could Captain India In WTC 2025?:It was widely expected that India would get their house in order once Rohit Sharma is elevated to captaincy. He had an impeccable record in franchise cricket and even in games where he led India in the absence of Virat Kohli.
But India is yet to taste success at a multinational event. They failed to qualify for the Asia Cup finals in 2022. India lost in the semis of the 2022 T20 World Cup. They once again lost in the finals of WTC, this under Rohit to Australia.
Change in leadership:
Rohit Sharma’s Test captaincy future looks bleak in the aftermath of the 2023 WTC Final loss. Age is certainly not on his side as he looks to inspire his troops to take yet another shot at glory. In all likelihood, it will be the 2023 ODI World Cup that might draw curtains to his chequered career. India needs to have a transition plan in place especially with the core group of the Test squad nearing the end of their playing days. This brings us to the question of who would lead India in WTC 2025.
We explore a few options who could potentially lead the side:
#1 Rishabh Pant
He was touted as the most likely candidate to lead the Test side once Virat Kohli chose to give up on Test captaincy. India could have opted for the multiple captaincy option with Pant helming the Test side and Sharma leading the white ball teams. But the selectors handed over the reins of even the Test side to Sharma.
Pant could have grown as a Test leader this cycle as India played their most challenging games at home. He continues to be India’s biggest MVP in the longest format. Pant’s absence helped Australia as they escaped a whitewash at home and also in India’s defeat in the WTC Final. He in all likelihood will take charge once he regains fitness and is back playing the longest format.
#2 KL Rahul
He is another player who has been plagued with injuries. KL Rahul led the Test side in Rohit Sharma’s absence in Bangladesh. He was the vice-captain of the side across formats until poor form cost him this position. Rahul though has a solid game to make a comeback into the side. He already did present a strong case for himself when he stormed back into the side in England in 2021. Rahul has the most overseas hundreds among young Indian batters. He could prove to be a fine choice to lead the Test team.
#3 Shreyas Iyer
His problem against the short ball notwithstanding Shreyas Iyer is one helluva player. He is often valued during his absence from the side. Iyer’s pyrotechnics was missed big time in the WTC Final as India was left with zero X-factor batters in the middle order. He is someone who is capable of changing the game within a session. Iyer is a fantastic player against spin. If he manages to find a way to survive the short ball he will have a long career in Test cricket too. It will thus make him an easy choice for Test captaincy.
#4 Shubman Gill
He is one player who has grown in stature in the last 10-12 months. Shubman Gill has had a memorable 2023 so far. He has scored centuries across formats and even in the IPL. Gill is regarded as someone who reads the game well. He has the backing of the seniors within the team. His game is a work in progress in conditions like England but Gill has shown quality to impress everyone. The Indian team management will be closely looking at his growth in the coming 6-8 months. If he continues his golden run, we can see him lead the side across all formats!
