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Rohit Sharma's Test Successor Named By India Great; It's Not Jasprit Bumrah

Rohit and Bumrah during training session [Source: PTI] Rohit and Bumrah during training session [Source: PTI]

Rohit Sharma has been under tremendous pressure ever since the Indian side got whitewashed by the Kiwis in the recently concluded Test series. Rohit became the second India Test captain after Sachin Tendulkar to get whitewashed at home, a record he won't be proud of.

Rohit's poor captaincy and his form is under the scanner as questions have been raised on his place in the Indian team. Before the start of the series Vs New Zealand, India were in a pole position to reach the WTC finals, and were expected to beat the Kiwis with utmost ease. However, the visitors sprung a surprise and now India find themselves in a dire situation.

They have slipped to number 2 in the WTC points tally and need to beat Australia, 4-0 to seal their place in the WTC finals. The upcoming tour, Down Under is a make or break tour for the India captain. However, before the start of the tour, former India cricketer, Mohammad Kaif has named Rohit's successor, in case the skipper decides to hang his boots after the BGT.

“From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is in contention to be Test captain. He’s worthy of it; whenever he’s played, he’s put the Indian team in front. Whichever number he comes to play, he’s ready to play a match-winning knock. He’s scored in all types of conditions, be it England, Australia, or South Africa. Be it seaming or turning tracks, he’s a complete batter," said Kaif on his Instagram Live.

Why Pant is a safe bet for Test captaincy?

Still just 27 years of age, Pant has age on his side. He is dynamic and already has the captaincy experience in the IPL. Many believe Jasprit Bumrah should be the leader of the team after Rohit, but one aspect goes against him.

Bumrah is a pace bowler and their workloads needs to be managed carefully. A captain has to play all the matches, irrespective of the opposition and because of it, the team management might consider Pant as the future captain. Bumrah is a key asset for India across format and the selectors don't want to burden him with another responsibilty.

Plus, Pant has learnt the art of captaincy from some of the best in Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, during his time with Delhi Capitals, and will be a safe bet.