Cricket | Test | India | Captaincy
Virat Kohli wrote to the world, on 16 September, 2021, "Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian Team in Test and ODI Cricket." He had clearly stated that he wanted to continue leading team India in the other two formats, while giving up T20I captaincy. 121 days later, he stepped down as the Test captain, being replaced by Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain before that. He was no longer the captain of the Indian National Cricket Team. End of an era in true sense. A win percentage of 63.46 doesn't come easy in cricket.
The decision to give up T20I captaincy was clearly a well-discussed and well-thought one. To quote Kohli, he arrived at the decision "after a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit". It was quite sensible considering his workload. Then he gets to know that he has been removed from ODI captaincy. He goes to South Africa, India lose the Test series 1-2 and then he gives up Test captaincy. This announcement seemed to be more on the emotional side. Unlike the previous one, here there wasn't any mention of discussion or negotiation. It was a completely personal decision, fuelled by his thought of being unable to give his "120 percent". Fair enough. I just hope we get to see the Virat Kohli of old, dominating bowlers across formats, churning century after century and being the being the best cricketer on the planet. I think he has been one of the best red-ball captains in the world ever and certainly India' best. Thank you, Virat!
What next, then? Rohit has already been appointed as India's white-ball captain and there couldn't have been a better-suited candidate. The position of Test captaincy still remains unoccupied. I see five possible captaincy options going forward. Let's see what each one of them has got.
1. Rohit Sharma
This seems to be the most straightforward and logical choice, considering Rohit's cricketing experience, performance and the fact that he was supposed to be India's vice-captain for the South Africa series before injury ruled him out. He seems to have finally gotten the hang of Test cricket at the top of the order with impressive performances in India, Australia and England. A cool, calculated person, with his position in the side fixed, he certainly is the front runner for the role of captain. But, as many people have pointed out, the only thing that stands in between Rohit and Test captaincy is his physical fitness. He has already missed matches in the IPL and in Australia and South Africa in the last couple of years due to injuries. Also, captaining in all three formats plus the IPL can take a toll physically as well as mentally. So, workload management is going to be key for Rohit Sharma.
Vice-captain in Rohit's absence, three-format player, vice-captain in ODIs and T20s. KL Rahul looks all-set to contest Rohit for the role of Test captain, in case the selectors want a long-term prospect. A chilled-out person, having a good vibe with the seniors and other colleagues. Seems to be a logical second choice to Rohit Sharma. What may not work in his favour is his poor IPL captaincy record coupled with four losses in his first four matches as India captain. While Test cricket is a different format altogether, the ability to inspire the people around you is of utmost importance. In the little that I've seen Rahul captain, I am not convinced that he has it. Additionally, his consistency while batting will be tested as he has lost his place in the side a few times already.
The 24 year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Delhi has already led his domestic side and IPL franchise impressively. His place in the national side is secure with some eye-catching performances. He is a much-loved person in the dressing room as well as in the country. Also, he has showed the guts to stand up to the opposition and slipping in a word or two, from behind the stumps. I personally would pick Pant over Rahul, because I think the former has better management skills. His cricketing skills or temperament were never under question after his wonderful knocks across the globe.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
Cricket has generally seen batter-captains. But with Pat Cummins doing so well with Australia, you cannot help but wonder.....what if Bumrah became Test captain? A master strategist with a cool head on his shoulders, aggressive with his bowling and India's best bowler currently. While he certainly has all the skills necessary to become Test captain, his workload with the national team and Mumbai Indians in the IPL is immense. In order for this to work, his participation in cricket outside Test matches has to carefully managed.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
The most unlikely choice of the lot, Ashwin has led an IPL franchise before with average results. He is an in-your-face kind of person who never beats around the bush. Similar to Bumrah, planning is his forte. Also, looking at his personality, don't be surprised if his ascension to Test captaincy leads to some bold decisions. But considering the team management's preference of playing Jadeja over him in overseas Tests, Ashwin seems really unlikely to take over from Kohli as Test captain.
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