3 Players for India's Test Captaincy Beyond Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has not lived up to expectations as a captain and as a batter in the longer format of the game. The veteran opener was handed the reins in the first half of 2022, replacing one of the greatest Test captains in history, Virat Kohli. Fans were hoping that Rohit would replicate his limited-overs cricket prowess in the Test format, but that didn't happen as expected.  

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After India failed to lift the title in the World Test Championship (WTC 2021-23 cycle) last year, there were calls for a change in captaincy. However, the management retained 'Hitman' in the position. But with the Mumbai cricketer turning 37 in less than three months, the Indian Cricket Board will have to find a replacement soon. 

Moreover, it cannot be ruled out that the captaincy tag is affecting Rohit's performance with the bat in Test cricket. The right-hander was not impressive in the WTC final against Australia. Notably, he was also a failure in India's tour of South Africa 2023-24. Rohit also failed to bring the best out of him in the ongoing home Test series against England. India lost the series opener in Hyderabad but leveled the five-match series 1-1 with a 106-run win in Hyderabad, despite Rohit failing to make an impact with the bat. 

In this article, we look at 3 players who can replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain

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Also Read: Top 5 Indian pacers with most 5 wicket hauls in international cricket, ft. Jasprit Bumrah

#3.  Shubman Gill

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Shubman Gill's name in the list may raise many eyebrows. The 24-year-old, who is considered to be the future star of Indian cricket, has performed decently across formats. His place in Test cricket was under the scanner after registering a string of low scores, but he shut down all his critics with a gritty century in the second innings of the second Test against England in the ongoing series. It is noteworthy that Gujarat Titans have given Gill the leadership role ahead of IPL 2024, believing in his potential. 

#2. Rishabh Pant 

Rishabh Pant is one of the best options currently available as the southpaw is an irreplaceable asset in the Indian Test team. The flamboyant wicketkeeper batter is set to make his comeback in international cricket after being sidelined since December 2022 due to a horrific car accident. Pant is a long-term investment in the longer format and it would not be a surprise if the management puts him in charge. Notably, he gained valuable captaincy experience with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. 

#1. Jasprit Bumrah 

Team India's vice-captain can be promoted at any time considering his invincible performance across formats. Jasprit Bumrah is a valuable asset to the team and as a senior pacer, he can lead the team with his experience and cricketing knowledge. He is only 30 years old and still has years left in his already glittering career. Australia's Pat Cummins has shown what a fast bowler can do when it comes to captaincy and it wouldn't be surprising if the Indian team management believes Bumrah will do the same.