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With Rohit Sharma officially retiring from Test cricket, the Indian team management and selectors are now faced with the critical task of appointing a new captain to lead the side in the longest format. Rohit, who took over the captaincy after Virat Kohli, played a key role in India’s recent Test campaigns, including their appearance in the World Test Championship finals. As the team gears up for the upcoming Test season, the question on everyone’s mind is — who will take the baton forward?
MSK Prasad picks Rohit Sharma’s successor in Tests
Former chief selector MSK Prasad has thrown his weight behind pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next Test captain. Speaking to India Today, Prasad expressed full confidence in Bumrah’s leadership potential, especially now that he has returned to full fitness.
Prasad added that Bumrah has always delivered whenever he was handed leadership responsibility. He also suggested that the team should plan with long-term vision, and hence, appointing Bumrah for the current and next WTC cycles could be a wise move.
“Why not… since he (Jasprit Bumrah) is fit now, why not. If you are looking at Bumrah, he will obviously play in both the seasons. This and the next. So there is nothing wrong and whatever opportunity he has got to lead. He has performed very well,” said Prasad.
Apart from Bumrah, Prasad also named Shubman Gill and KL Rahul as viable leadership options. However, he specifically recommended that Gill should be groomed as vice-captain to prepare him for future leadership responsibilities.
“You have three options at present. Bumrah, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. These are the three options,” added Prasad.
Big Test challenge ahead: England series looms large
India’s next assignment in red-ball cricket is a crucial five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The series will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket, not just because of Rohit Sharma’s absence, but also due to the need for a stable and strategic leader going forward.
Bumrah, who served as vice-captain under Rohit and has led India once before, appears to be the front-runner. Meanwhile, Rahul, with prior leadership experience, and Gill, one of the brightest young talents, are also in the mix. Another name in the conversation is Rishabh Pant, who is making a strong comeback after injury and has previously shown promising leadership traits.
Also READ: Top 5 Indian Test captains with the highest winning percentage ft. Rohit Sharma
