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Rishabh Pant is emerging as a strong contender to become India’s next Test captain once Rohit Sharma steps down, sources told CricBlogger. While other names like Shubman Gill are also in the mix, and discussions have surfaced about potentially bringing back Virat Kohli as captain if he performs well in Australia, Pant’s case stands out. His fearless approach and natural leadership qualities have made him a promising candidate, especially considering his growth as a player and his match-winning abilities in high-pressure situations. If Pant continues to mature in his game and lead by example, he could indeed become the next face of India’s Test team, carrying forward the legacy with a new, aggressive style.
“After Rohit, it has to be Pant. There could be other names also but if Pant continues to play the way he is playing right now, he is the front runner for sure,” a source revealed it to CricBlogger.
Pant has already had a taste of Test leadership responsibilities, having previously served as vice-captain in England. During the pandemic, he was close to leading India in a postponed Test against England, though the selectors ultimately chose Jasprit Bumrah for the role. In the upcoming series in Australia, Rohit Sharma will be unavailable for the first couple of Tests, and Bumrah is set to lead again. However, as a pace bowler with a demanding workload, Bumrah may not be available for every series, particularly those that are less critical.
This reality strengthens Pant’s case as a top contender for the Test captaincy. His experience, combined with his understanding of the game and proven ability in challenging conditions, make him a viable candidate for a more consistent leadership role. Pant’s aggressive mindset and fearless approach could bring a fresh energy to the team, positioning him well to lead India in Test cricket over the long term.
Pant has already had a taste of Test leadership responsibilities, having previously served as vice-captain in England. During the pandemic, he was close to leading India in a postponed Test against England, though the selectors ultimately chose Jasprit Bumrah for the role. In the upcoming series in Australia, Rohit Sharma will be unavailable for the first couple of Tests, and Bumrah is set to lead again. However, as a pace bowler with a demanding workload, Bumrah may not be available for every series, particularly those that are less critical.
This reality strengthens Pant’s case as a top contender for the Test captaincy. His experience, combined with his understanding of the game and proven ability in challenging conditions, make him a viable candidate for a more consistent leadership role.
Returning to Kohli as Test captain, while potentially stabilizing in the short term, could be seen as a step backward for India’s future plans. Kohli’s leadership, though impactful, marked a previous era, and bringing him back might signal a reluctance to transition into the next generation of leaders. Amid ongoing discussions among top BCCI officials, the chief selector, and team management, India is focused on building a strong, forward-looking approach for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, aiming for a powerful comeback.
However, the uncertainty around the future of Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir adds complexity. While Rohit’s captaincy has brought a steady hand, his age and fitness are considerations for the long term. Similarly, Gambhir, known for his hard-nosed, results-oriented approach, faces scrutiny despite his recent appointment. This period could well define the future leadership of Indian cricket, both on the field and off, as the BCCI evaluates its best options for sustained success.
