3 Players Who Can Replace Jasprit Bumrah As India's Vice-Captain In Tests

KL Rahul could be a vice-captain candidate [X]KL Rahul could be a vice-captain candidate [X]

On Sunday, India announced a robust 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh on home soil. India will lock horns with Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, beginning with a much-anticipated opening game at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

While Rohit Sharma will lead the home team, India haven't appointed a vice-captain for the Bangladesh series. For the unversed, ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah played the role for quite a while, even leading India in the decider against England at Edgbaston in 2022. However, soon after India's disastrous defeat in the game, Bumrah sustained a career-threatening injury, which ruled him out of the 2022 T20 World Cup. 

Considering his past injury setbacks, the BCCI has monitored Bumrah's fitness, keeping him away from an additional responsibilty. Given that Bumrah might be rested for several less significant matches, India could appoint a regular face as their Test vice-captain going forward. Therefore, as the hosts prepare for the Bangladesh series, let's see who are the front-runners to become Rohit Sharma's deputy in the purest format. 

KL Rahul

The stylish right-handed batter has loads of experience when it comes to leadership. In addition to leading Team India in a handful of international matches, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. 

Furthermore, despite losing his spot in T20Is, Rahul remains an asset for India in Tests and ODIs. His flexibility to fit in any position and ability to bail the team out of precarious situations make him one of the mainstays in the Indian batting unit. 

So, considering his batting and leadership attributes, the BCCI might re-appoint Rahul as India's vice-captain in Tests. 

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is another player the BCCI might consider for vice-captaincy in Tests. The explosive keeper-batter is one of the key members of the Indian Test side, having led them to several historic wins with his scintillating performances. 

After recovering from a life-threatening car accident, Pant is all set to make his Test return in the Bangladesh home series. The 26-year-old has ample leadership experience, having led Delhi Capitals in the IPL. So, considering Pant is young and capable of providing valuable input as part of the leadership group, it won't be surprising if the BCCI hires him as Rohit Sharma's deputy in Tests. 

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is a key member of Indian Test side [X]Shubman Gill is a key member of Indian Test side [X]

After establishing himself as a match-winner in white-ball cricket, Shubman Gill replaced Hardik Pandya as India's vice-captain in the shorter formats. The BCCI tested his captaincy skills by appointing him as the T20I skipper for India's Zimbabwe tour. 

The young batter from Punjab exceeded the expectations, leading the visitors to a clinical series victory. Despite the Gujarat Titans ' underwhelming run, Gill received massive applause for his tactical brilliance in the IPL 2024. 

In fact, several reports have claimed that he would succeed Bumrah as the Test vice-captain. So, considering Gill's potential to become the poster boy of Indian cricket, the BCCI might hand him the responsibility and groom him as a potential future captaincy option.