Rohit Sharma's Interim Captaincy: Who Will Succeed Him in Test Cricket?
Rohit Sharma's Temporary Captaincy
Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the interim captain for India's Test series against England, but he is not seen as a long-term solution. His tenure is coming to an end, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must identify new leadership soon.
Given that Rohit had to step back during the recent tour of Australia, it is crucial to start planning for the future. There is uncertainty about his ability to participate in all five Tests against England. Jasprit Bumrah, who has served as his deputy, is considered a potential successor. However, concerns about Bumrah's fitness have emerged, especially after his previous injury issues during back-to-back matches in Australia. This may compel the board to explore other options.
Potential Candidates for Test Captaincy
In the context of potential replacements, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are the two frontrunners. Both players have been part of the Test squad for several years, with Pant being involved for seven years and Gill for five. They have been viewed as future leaders since their early careers.
Pant served as the vice-captain until an injury sidelined him, while Gill currently holds the vice-captaincy for ODIs and T20Is. Both players have secured their spots in the Test XI, but neither has captained India in Tests nor has significant leadership experience in first-class cricket.
IPL Leadership Experience
Both players have taken on captaincy roles in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pant previously led the Delhi Capitals and now captains the Lucknow Super Giants, while Gill took over the Titans in 2024. Their batting prowess is crucial, but effective leadership in cricket also requires tactical skills and composure under pressure.
Pant began his captaincy journey in 2021, leading Delhi to the playoffs in his first season, but faced challenges in subsequent years. Gill, who succeeded Hardik Pandya in 2024, has shown improvement after a rocky start.
Tactical Challenges Faced
Both captains have faced criticism for their tactical decisions. Pant has been criticized for not including Badoni in the starting lineup and for sticking with underperforming players like Akash Deep. Gill's choices have also raised eyebrows, particularly regarding his inconsistent use of Washington Sundar and the puzzling decision to leave an overseas player slot vacant.
Batting Performance and Captaincy Records
Batting remains a critical aspect of their roles. Pant, who has returned to Test cricket in 2024, has an average of 37.61, which is below expectations. His performance in Australia has been particularly concerning, with only one fifty in nine innings and a total of 255 runs at an average of 28.33.
His struggles extend beyond Tests, as he also faced difficulties during the 2024 T20 World Cup and is currently experiencing a challenging IPL season.
Comparing Pant and Gill
While Pant has had a more established Test career, Gill, being two years younger, appears to be on the rise. Despite Pant's experience, his current form raises concerns about his suitability for the vice-captaincy, as it could negatively impact both his confidence and the team's performance.