Sun. May 25th, 2025

Who Will Be India’s Next Test Captain?

A Deep Dive Into the Five Candidates to Replace Rohit as India’s Next Test Captain

The sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket marks the end of a remarkable era and leaves Indian cricket at a critical crossroads. Rohit’s leadership, calm demeanor, and consistent performances helped India achieve significant milestones in red-ball cricket. As India gears up for the next ICC World Test Championship cycle—beginning with a challenging five-match Test series in England—the big question on everyone’s mind is: Who will be India’s next Test captain?

Appointing a new Test captain is more than just filling a leadership void. It’s about selecting a player who can carry forward India’s legacy, inspire the next generation, and navigate the team through tough overseas conditions, intense rivalries, and long-term goals. Let’s take a closer look at five strong candidates to replace Rohit as India’s next Test captain and analyze their credentials, leadership traits, and potential.

1. Jasprit Bumrah – The Relentless Warrior

When we talk about India’s most valuable player in red-ball cricket today, Jasprit Bumrah’s name is at the top of the list. Ranked among the best fast bowlers globally, Bumrah has led India in Tests before—most notably during tough overseas tours. With one win and two losses in three Tests as captain, Bumrah has already gained valuable leadership experience.

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and crucial away matches, Bumrah stepped up with the ball and as a leader, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike. His cricketing brain, calm temperament, and ability to deliver under pressure make him an intriguing candidate.

However, the big question remains: Can Bumrah’s body handle the dual role of being India’s frontline pacer and captain across demanding five-match Test series? With a history of injuries and workload management becoming increasingly important, the selectors may have reservations about putting additional responsibility on his shoulders.

Still, if fitness isn’t a concern, Bumrah stands as a strong, tactical, and respected candidate to lead India’s red-ball resurgence.

2. Shubman Gill – The Emerging Prodigy

Shubman Gill has been widely touted as a future leader of Indian cricket. A technically gifted batsman with a calm head on his shoulders, Gill’s leadership potential became evident during his stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. His composed personality and ability to stay focused in high-pressure situations make him an exciting long-term prospect.

That said, stepping into Rohit Sharma’s shoes in Test cricket is no small feat. Gill’s performance in overseas Tests is still a work in progress—he averages only 29.50 outside India, while his home average is a much more robust 42.03. His underwhelming outing in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final and exclusion from two Tests on the recent Australian tour raise concerns about his readiness.

Although no one doubts his batting prowess or leadership qualities, Gill may need more time and exposure in the longest format before being handed full-time captaincy responsibilities. But make no mistake: he remains a player who could lead India one day—just maybe not right now.

3. KL Rahul – The Balanced Choice

Among all contenders, KL Rahul presents the most well-rounded option to become India’s next Test captain. With three Tests as captain under his belt—two wins and a loss—Rahul brings leadership experience, technical excellence, and a sense of calm to the table. His overseas record is impressive, and during the recent tour of Australia, he emerged as India’s third-highest run-scorer, showing maturity and grit.

Rahul’s stints as IPL captain with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants have added to his leadership resume, where he showcased clarity in decision-making and adaptability. Unlike some of the younger candidates, Rahul has been part of India’s leadership group for a while, and his ability to balance tactical decisions with team harmony is a key strength.

He may not be the flashiest pick, but he’s dependable, mature, and well-respected in the dressing room. In terms of leadership stability and transitional ease, Rahul could be the ideal bridge between Rohit’s era and the future.

4. Shreyas Iyer – The Dark Horse With Flair

Shreyas Iyer might not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing India’s next Test captain, but his recent leadership performances in the IPL suggest otherwise. After guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and turning them into a well-oiled unit, Iyer has proven his leadership mettle under pressure.

Iyer’s ability to manage different personalities, work alongside high-profile coaches like Ricky Ponting, and make bold tactical decisions has caught the attention of many. His charisma and self-confidence could bring a fresh and fearless style of captaincy to the Indian Test setup.

However, there’s a glaring issue—Shreyas hasn’t played Test cricket in over 15 months. Although he has shown remarkable form in white-ball cricket and IPL, his place in the Test XI isn’t guaranteed. A Test recall seems likely, and if it comes with the added incentive of captaincy, it might bring out the best in him.

If selectors are looking to break the mold and invest in a modern, fearless leader, Iyer could be the wildcard who pays off handsomely.

5. Rishabh Pant – The Bold and Brilliant Wicketkeeper

Rishabh Pant is no stranger to pressure or spotlight. Known for his audacious strokeplay and match-winning knocks in critical Test matches, Pant has also shown glimpses of strong leadership potential. He captained India in five T20Is against South Africa in 2022 and led the Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

What makes Pant an appealing candidate is his attacking mindset—something that mirrors Rohit Sharma’s approach in Tests. His performances in red-ball cricket have been nothing short of heroic, especially overseas. With a Test average of 42.11 and four of his six centuries coming in foreign conditions, Pant thrives when challenges are toughest.

Though his recent IPL form has dipped slightly, his overall track record suggests he has the temperament and aggression needed to lead India into a new era. Pant’s emotional intelligence, fighting spirit, and ability to inspire younger players could make him a transformational leader in Indian Test cricket.

Conclusion: Who Will Be India’s Next Test Captain?

Choosing India’s next Test captain is no easy task. Each of the five candidates to replace Rohit as India’s next Test captain brings unique qualities to the table—be it Bumrah’s tactical nous, Gill’s promise, Rahul’s calm, Iyer’s energy, or Pant’s boldness.

As India begins a crucial new chapter with the World Test Championship ahead, the selectors face a defining decision. Who will be India’s next Test captain might not just influence the team’s immediate performance but could shape the entire direction of Indian cricket for years to come.

Whatever the outcome, Indian fans can be assured that the future of the Test team rests in capable hands.