Indian Captains Yet To Play A Test:Indian Captains Yet To Play A Test There have been many Indian players who have led their franchises in the IPL. The IPL owners had a lot of faith in these individuals. These players have been proven performers not just for their franchises but in the league at large. They were rightfully appointed the captains in the absence of the regular skippers. There have also been instances where a young player was groomed for leadership role early during their playing days.
But a Test cap has proven elusive:
For all their T20 exploits, a Test cap has eluded this bunch of talented players. Indian Test team has dominated world cricket in recent years. They have won 5 Test maces in a period of 5 years. India is the only side to make it to both the WTC finals. They even have the chance of winning the crown this time around. In a side as competitive as the Indian Test team, it is difficult for a player to break into. It has been a similar case for these Indian IPL specialists.
We look at Indian IPL captains who are yet to play a Test:
#4 Manish Pandey
He had a very unique relationship with the franchise that trusted him the most. The Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Manish Pandey a whopping INR 11 crores in the 2018 mega auction. He was expected to play the role of an anchor and aggressor at the number 3 slot. Pandey had a mixed association during his stay at Hyderabad. He was solid yet never spectacular.
Pandey though got to lead the side in the last league game in IPL 2021 when regular Captain Kane Williamson was ruled out. It remains the only game that he has captained so far. But Pandey who made his IPL debut in 2009 is yet to play a Test match for India.
#3 Krunal Pandya
Not many had expected at the start of the season that Krunal Pandya will lead the Lucknow super Giants. But as fate would have it, the injury to KL Rahul midway through the tournament paved the way for senior Pandya. He has led the side admirably despite his personal limitations as a player.
Krunal Pandya though hasn’t been on the radar of national selection especially in the longest format. He was a regular member of the T20 side between 2018-21 and also made his ODI Debut in 2021. But he is currently out of reckoning and a Test cap looks far away for him.
#2 Nitish Rana
He was appointed KKR skipper in unpredictable circumstances. The injury to Shreyas Iyer prompted KKR to nominate Nitish Rana as their captain. It appeared to be a 50-50 decision at that point in time. Rana for all his skills didn’t evolve into a wholesome player as everybody expected. But this season, Rana came of age. He not only led the side with the resources available but also contributed handsomely with the bat. But a Test debut looks a long shot for Rana at this stage.
#1 Sanju Samson
He made his IPL debut in 2013 for Rajasthan Royals. Sanju Samson was a proven name in IPL cricket before he played the U-19 World Cup in 2014. Cricket lovers since then have been in awe of Samson’s talent. He is one of the most easiest players to watch. Samson hardly ever scores ugly runs. He was appointed the full-time skipper of RR in 2021. RR made it to the finals in 2021 after the inaugural season. He is on the verge of selection in white ball teams but a Test cap is still distant for Samson.
