With Rohit Sharma potentially missing the first Test of India’s upcoming series against Australia due to personal reasons, the question of who will take over the captaincy in his absence has become crucial.
India’s selectors are now faced with the task of choosing a vice-captain who could step up as captain in Perth, where the first Test begins on November 22.
While Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill are considered the front-runners, other experienced players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul could also serve as temporary leaders if required.
Who are the leading candidates to take over the mantle from Rohit Sharma?
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Shubman Gill
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
BET NOW: Bet here on the upcoming IND vs NZ Test series and win cash bonuses
Is Shubman Gill the leading contender?
At 25, Shubman Gill has emerged as a strong contender for India's vice-captaincy and is widely regarded as a future leader for the national team.
His recent leadership experiences, including captaining India A in the Duleep Trophy 2024 and leading the side in the five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, have added to his credentials. Gill has also served as vice-captain in both T20I and ODI series, most recently in Sri Lanka.
Despite a shaky start to his Test career, Gill’s impressive form in the last series against Bangladesh, where he scored 164 runs at an average of 54.67 and England, where he scored 452 runs at an average of 56.5, has solidified his place in India’s Test setup.
MORE: Explained: Why Rohit Sharma will miss a Test against Australia during Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Now batting at No. 3, Gill’s continued success with the bat could even pave the way for him to take over as India’s next red-ball captain in the future once Rohit steps down.
What makes Jasprit Bumrah a candidate?
Jasprit Bumrah has already proven his leadership abilities by captaining India in a one-off Test against England in 2022 and leading the T20I side against Ireland in 2023.
Known for his sharp cricketing mind, Bumrah has been a key figure in India’s bowling attack for years and has also served as vice-captain in the home Test series against England in 2024.
However, Bumrah’s workload management remains a concern, as India needs to preserve him for critical matches. While his on-field leadership is undeniable, the need to rest him periodically could be the primary reason why Bumrah might not be a long-term captaincy choice for India in the Test format.
Click here to make your bets as you watch the thrilling T20I action in the IND vs BAN series
Could experienced players like Virat Kohli or KL Rahul step in?
Although the focus is on grooming a future leader, India still has experienced options in Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Both have previously captained the Test side, and their experience could prove valuable if a temporary captain is needed in Rohit’s absence.
However, the selectors seem more interested in finding a long-term solution, which makes the choices of Gill or Bumrah more likely.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >