The question of who will be the next test captain of India has dominated cricket discussions since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements. With a Test average of just 35, does Shubman Gill even deserve to feature in India’s Test Playing XI, let alone become the captain? As the England series approaches, the Indian cricket team desperately needs clarity on their next leader in the longest format.
The recent retirements have left Indian cricket at a crossroads. While Shubman Gill seems to be the frontrunner, several other candidates like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are also in contention. But who truly deserves to lead India in Tests?
What Does Being Test Captain of India Really Mean?
Becoming India’s Test captain involves far more than just on-field tactics. The role demands:
- Managing pre and post-match press conferences
- Handling player relationships across diverse personalities
- Maintaining consistent personal form (because in Indian cricket, a captain’s batting slump becomes national news!)
On the field, the captain must assess situations quickly, especially when matches are slipping away. This is where Rohit Sharma’s Test leadership fell short – waiting until it was too late to make winning moves.
The next leader needs to be proactive, decisive, and capable of inspiring the team when motivation is needed most.
Why Shubman Gill Could Be Next Test Captain Of India
Ever since Gautam Gambhir became head coach, Shubman Gill has been groomed for leadership. He was made ODI vice-captain and briefly Test vice-captain – clear indicators that management sees him as the future leader.
At just 25, Gill offers long-term stability. A captain who could lead through multiple World Test Championship cycles would provide invaluable continuity.
His IPL captaincy experience with Gujarat Titans shows he can handle leadership pressure, though T20 and Test cricket are vastly different formats. As one of India’s most marketable young stars, Gill could be the perfect face for Test cricket in the modern era.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up for Gill
However, Gill’s Test credentials raise serious questions about his readiness for captaincy. After 32 Tests, he averages just 35 with 5 centuries – hardly the record you’d expect from India’s next leader.
While his home average of 42 looks decent, his overseas record is concerning. Outside the subcontinent, he’s managed only two fifties in 13 Tests.
Batting at number three, Gill’s recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance was disappointing – averaging just 18. For any potential captain, consistency across all conditions is non-negotiable.
Learning From India’s Captaincy History
Previous Indian Test captains like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had already established themselves as world-class batters before assuming leadership. When they took charge, their batting positions were never in question.
Sourav Ganguly had already proven himself overseas with centuries in England and strong performances against Sri Lanka before becoming captain.
Even MS Dhoni, who wasn’t the best batter when he took over, had already won the T20 World Cup and proven his leadership capabilities.
Jasprit Bumrah As Test Captain Of India
If merit alone decided India’s next captain, Jasprit Bumrah would be the clear choice. As India’s best player across all conditions, he leads from the front like no other.
In 45 Tests, Bumrah’s record – 205 wickets at 19 average – is exceptional for any future leader. 11 of his 13 five-wicket hauls resulting in wins or draws show his match-winning ability.
Bumrah has already captained India in Tests, winning that crucial first match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His bowling performance actually improved as captain – 15 wickets averaging just 16 across three matches!
The main concern, however, is workload management. This could be addressed by having Gill as vice-captain, stepping in when Bumrah needs rest – similar to Australia’s Cummins-Smith model.
KL Rahul Brings Experience But Questions Remain
KL Rahul brings a decade of international experience to the captaincy discussion. He’s already led India in both Tests and ODIs, showing he can handle the responsibility.
As a potential leader, Rahul has won 2 out of 3 Test matches (against Bangladesh) and 8 out of 12 ODI matches. His calm temperament could suit the role.
However, Rahul’s batting performance as captain raises concerns – averaging just 19 in six innings while leading. His defensive approach has also been criticized in Tests.
For the upcoming England tour, India might need KL Rahul the opener more than KL Rahul the captain.
Rishabh Pant: The Dynamic Option
Rishabh Pant has been synonymous with India’s recent Test successes, making him an intriguing captaincy candidate. His average of 42 in 43 Tests, including memorable performances in England and Australia, demonstrates impressive consistency.
As wicketkeeper, Pant already understands bowling strategies, giving him tactical advantages as potential captain. His inspirational energy could rally the team during difficult phases.
However, his recent IPL form suggests captaincy pressure might affect his primary skills. India might need Pant the wicketkeeper-batsman more than Pant the captain.
The Wildcard: Yashasvi Jaiswal
The most unconventional choice would be Yashasvi Jaiswal. Though young and inexperienced in leadership, he’s expressed ambitions to join India’s leadership group.
This would mirror South Africa’s bold appointment of Graeme Smith as a young captain, which proved highly successful. However, such creativity seems unlikely from current Indian management.
What’s The Right Decision?
As the England series approaches, the captaincy decision becomes crucial. While Gill appears the frontrunner, legitimate questions remain about his readiness.
The prudent approach would be appointing Bumrah as captain with Gill as deputy. This allows Gill to develop his Test batting while gaining leadership experience gradually.
At 25, Gill has time on his side. If he establishes himself as a Test batsman first, he’d be better prepared for captaincy in a couple of years.
The next test captain of India will have enormous shoes to fill after Kohli and Sharma. They’ll need to maintain home dominance while improving overseas results – the true measure of a great Test side.
Final Thoughts
The debate over India’s next captain reflects the depth of talent available. Whether it’s Gill’s potential, Bumrah’s current excellence, Rahul’s experience, or Pant’s dynamism, each candidate brings unique strengths.
However, the captaincy role demands someone who can perform consistently while leading others. Based on current form and proven leadership, Bumrah appears the strongest candidate, with Gill developing as his successor.
What are your thoughts on who should lead India in Tests? Share your views in the comments below!
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