Jasprit Bumrah And...? 3 India Players Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma As Test Captain

Debashis Sarangi

Rohit Sharma has had a tough time as Indian Test captain [Source: AP]Rohit Sharma has had a tough time as Indian Test captain [Source: AP]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

On Sunday, India had a forgettable time on the field as Australia steamrolled them by ten wickets in the second Test of the ongoing five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After securing a clinical victory in the first Test, India were expected to sustain their dominance over the home team. However, the pin-ball Test in Adelaide turned out to be a nightmare for the tourists, as the hosts levelled the series with an emphatic victory in their backyard. 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma received massive backlash following his side's disastrous defeat in Adelaide. While India's familiar struggle against the moving ball persisted, Rohit's underwhelming performance as a batter and skipper earned him scrutiny from cricket enthusiasts. 

The Indian captain has been a pale shadow of himself with the bat in Tests this year. Furthermore, his defensive captaincy has raised question marks over his leadership qualities, calling for his sacking following four successive humiliating defeats in his tenure. So, as Rohit Sharma continues to be under fire, here are three potential candidates who can replace him as India's Test captain. 

Jasprit Bumrah

  • India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is the current vice-captain and is the front-runner to replace Rohit as the next Test captain. 
  • Bumrah is at the peak of his prowess and recently showcased his captaincy attributes by leading India to a memorable win in Perth. He is India's lead pacer and a regular face in their playing XI. So, considering his form and strategic acumen, India will likely appoint Bumrah as their Test captain once Rohit gets sidelined. 

Rishabh Pant

  • If the Indian team management decides to manage Bumrah's workload and keep him away from leadership responsibilities, Rishabh Pant could emerge as an alternative captaincy candidate. 
  • The keeper-batter is one of India's most valuable assets in Test cricket, having showcased his batting mettle over the years. He has led Delhi Capitals in the IPL, and his aggressive gameplay might help him succeed as a Test skipper. 

Shubman Gill

  • In another surprising move, India might hire Shubman Gill as their next captain in Tests. He is a promising batter and is hailed as India's next big thing across the formats. 
  • Gill has been impressive in whatever opportunities he has got so far. He has led India in T20Is, and considering the BCCI promotes him as India's poster boy among the youngsters, the stylish batter might get the nod ahead of Bumrah and Pant in the Test captaincy race.