Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket: Who Will Lead India Next?
Rohit Sharma's Retirement Shakes Indian Cricket
Rohit Sharma, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, has officially declared his retirement from Test matches. The Indian opener shared this news on Instagram on Wednesday, confirming that he will still participate in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the national team.
The unexpected announcement has left fans and cricket enthusiasts in disbelief. Following this development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must now find a suitable replacement for India's red-ball captain ahead of a demanding five-match series in England set to begin in June.
Names like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul have surfaced as potential candidates for the captaincy. However, reports indicate that Jasprit Bumrah, despite his previous experience in leadership roles, may not be the leading choice due to concerns regarding his workload. Bumrah has previously captained India in two Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, earning accolades for his leadership.
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MSK Prasad, the former chair of the selection committee, believes Bumrah remains the best candidate for the captaincy.
“Why not, man? Why not? Since he's fit now, why not?” Prasad remarked to Media House when asked about Bumrah's suitability for the role.
He supported his stance by highlighting Bumrah's successful track record as a captain whenever he has had the chance.
“You have three choices right now: Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul. These are the three options. If you're looking at Bumrah, he will obviously play both cycles—this one and the next—so there's nothing wrong. And whatever opportunities he's had to lead, he's done extremely well.”
Prasad Advocates for Bumrah and Gill
While Prasad acknowledged Gill's potential, he emphasized the necessity for the young batter to consistently perform at the top level before assuming leadership duties.
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“I think I'm okay with either of them (Gill or Bumrah). They're considering both. I think to start off with a series like England, we don't want anyone getting under pressure. See, I think Shubman needs one good series in England or New Zealand so he can focus on his batting. So, I think Bumrah is a fantastic leader. There's no second thought about that. You can start with Bumrah and make Shubman vice-captain,” he stated.
The BCCI is anticipated to reveal the squad and leadership decisions in the upcoming weeks as India gears up for its next significant overseas challenge.