Since Rohit Sharma retired from test cricket, the selectors have been left clueless to find the next captain. However, there are certain potential candidates for the role that including the names of Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. At the same time, a few reports stated that Bumrah could opt himself out of the race, leaving Gill, Rahul, and Pant as the frontrunners of test captain for team India.
With less than a day left for the official announcement, let’s take at those potential candidates who are likely to replace Rohit as the Indian team test skipper.
1. Jasprit Bumrah:
Bumrah earlier led India in 3 test matches— one against England (in 2022), and the remaining two against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Out of which, the 31-year-old won a test at Perth.
Also, the veteran speedster captained Team India in the T20I format during the Ireland tour in 2023. However, Bumrah’s injury concerns and increased work stress might raise questions on whether he can serve the role on a long-term basis.
Bumrah is unlikely to play all five test matches against England, considering his workload and the injury he sustained by playing all five games in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia.
Surprisingly, the retired Indian cricketer and former selector MSK Prasad chose Bumrah over Gill as the next test captain:
“Yes! Bumrah would be my favorite choice, given his proven leadership skills. While Shubman Gill should serve as Bumrah’s deputy, so that he can gain some experience as a vice-captain. If Bumrah’s fitness is a concern, then you can choose KL Rahul,” Prasad said.
2. Shubman Gill:
At the age of 25, Shubman Gill appears as the top choice for selectors, who can fit into the test captaincy role on a long-term basis. While there is no doubt about Gill’s batting performances, there are questions about whether he can take up such a huge responsibility at an early stage of his career.
Moreover, the right-handed batter’s average in overseas tests has been subpar compared to home matches. As a result, selectors might evaluate if Gill is ready to accept new challenges and additional workloads as a test captain.
Nevertheless, the former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri backed Gill as India’s next captain in tests:
“See! If you want to groom a young leader, then Shubman is a good choice. He should get this opportunity at t25 or 26 years of age. A few glimpses of his captaincy were interesting, as he possesses all qualities by remaining calm and composed on the field.” Shastri voiced his opinion.
3. KL Rahul:
Likewise to Bumrah, KL Rahul has led team India on three occasions and maintains a better captaincy record in tests by winning two games, which is none other than the 2-0 series victory in Bangladesh.
With doubts about Bumrah’s fitness and Gill’s consistency in tests, a new opportunity opens up for the 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman.
Also, he is a maturing and regular test player who can guide his team in pressurized moments as a captain and batsman.
His composed demeanor on the field makes him an excellent choice to succeed Rohit Sharma as test skipper.
4. Rishabh Pant:
Even though Rishabh Pant joined the race among the other contenders to become India’s next test skipper, his recent leadership skills in IPL 2025 raise questions about the team’s future success. Also, his captaincy stints with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants haven’t been impressive.
Strangely, Ravi Shastri expressed his opinion in favor of Pant, saying that the 27-year-old can fit into the test captaincy role:
“Certainly! Rishabh is the one who can take up this role after Gill, because of their young age, and can continue to play in this format for a decade. So, they get a chance to learn, having gained experience as a captain and currently leading the IPL franchise makes a notable difference,” Shastri added.
However, Pant might continue to secure his spot in Team India’s test squad as a reliable wicketkeeper and an aggressive middle-order batsman.
Also Read: From BCCI Snub to IPL Supremacy: Shreyas Iyer’s ₹26.75 Crore IPL Revival Leading Punjab Kings
Final Opinion
As the competition for the captaincy race heats up, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are the frontrunners, with Bumrah and Pant having fewer chances of taking up the leadership role.
India will start its new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle against England without a few veteran stars such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced their retirement from the format. This opened up a few slots in the playing XI for emerging youngsters.
The Indian cricket team won their last test in England back in 2007 under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. So, it is understood that the forthcoming England tour will be tough for India to accumulate maximum points to start the WTC 2025-27 on a positive note.
