How long will Rohit’s captaincy last in Test cricket?Image Credit source: AFP
New Delhi: In the last two decades in Indian cricket, there has been stability in matters like selection of players and change of leadership. After any defeat, big or tough decisions are not taken as an immediate reaction, which has made the players and Indian team played an important role in maintaining stability. The other aspect of this is that sometimes there is excessive delay in taking decisions, due to which the process of necessary change is affected.
This situation has become more serious in the last few years and now the Indian team is in a situation where it has to make some big changes to move forward but the next generation does not seem ready to fill those places. The biggest issue in this is the captaincy of the Test team, which seems to be getting serious after the defeat of Team India in the World Test Championship. Who will be the successor of Rohit Sharma?
Also read: Time over for Rohit-Kohli? judgment hour
Why is it important to find a new captain?
Rohit’s captaincy is not in question because the team got defeated, it is one of the two big reasons. Another important reason is the need for change and that is because Rohit is 36 years old and does not remain fit for Test cricket continuously. In such a situation, there is a need for a new captain for the next test championship cycle and especially for the final after two years, so that new ideas and approaches can be implemented.
Who can be the substitute?
In such a situation, the question is that who can do this work well in this format? KL Rahul has been tried, which was not successful. Bets were placed on Jasprit Bumrah but Bumrah’s fitness is raising questions on his Test career itself. Options like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja cannot be long term. In such a situation, there are 3 names, which seem to be better options-
‘We didn’t execute our plans right which is why we were behind in the game for 4 days’ – Rohit Sharma
Indian captain, @ImRo45 analyzes & shares what #TeamIndia could have done better to be ahead in the Ultimate Test! #WTC23 #cricket #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/ByRLcbvKQi
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 12, 2023
Also read: Time over for Rohit-Kohli? judgment hour
shreyas iyer
At present, Shreyas seems to be the most suitable name for this job. However, Shreyas is currently injured and due to this was not a part of the final. But when he returns, his place in the team is confirmed. He is the future of the team’s middle order at least in ODIs and Tests.
Two things are most important in Shreyas’s favor – first, his age, which is only 28 years; Second, captaincy experience. Apart from Mumbai in domestic cricket, Shreyas has also captained a lot in IPL and he has proved to be better than many captains.
Rishabh Pant
An unfortunate accident snatched a precious year of his cricket career from Rishabh Pant and the Indian team. Especially in Test cricket, where he was India’s best keeper and batsman for the last three years. Was a match winner. Although in all three formats, but at least in ODIs and Tests, Pant will be a regular part for many years to come.
His age is less than Shreyas. He also has the experience of captaincy in IPL. Although he has not been very good. Yet the biggest advantage that Pant has is that he is a wicketkeeper, which is the best position to read the game. Just have to pray that he comes fit soon.
,@SGanguly99 & Team India Coach #RahulDravid Analyze the strengths & shortcomings of the Indian Team in ICC events, specifically Test cricket. A squad of exemplary players will keep striving for a BIG win!#WTCFinal #WTC23 #UltimateTest #BelieveInBlue #cricket #FollowTheBlues pic.twitter.com/LynP1xjSTK
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 12, 2023
Also read: Brian Lara made fun of Rohit’s suggestion?
Shubman Gill
Sooner or later, it is bound to happen in the next few years that Gill will take over the reins of Team India. He would have started captaincy in IPL by now if KKR had not released him. He is in a leadership role with Gujarat Titans. However, international cricket is different and he does not have the experience of captaincy. In such a situation, it would be dishonest to expect him to be given the captaincy of the Test team directly.
The major reason for this is more from the doers of Indian cricket than Gill’s ability. The BCCI would shy away from taking such a revolutionary decision, even though 20 years ago, 22-year-old Graeme Smith took over the responsibility of the South African team and achieved success. In such a situation, it is necessary that Gill be given the vice-captaincy from now on and prepared for this role.
read this also: Rohit indicated a change
