The new era of India cricket is all set to begin on May 24. At a media conference around 12 PM, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will announce the new Test captain along with India squad for England Test series. After Rohit Sharma retired from Tests, Shubman Gill is the favourite to lead India in the new World Test Championship cycle. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are also in the fray.
Rohit Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as India’s Test captain in 2022. After leading India in 24 matches, winning 12, Rohit called it a time on his Test career amid poor form. Virat Kohli also followed suit, leaving India Test team in young hands. The India vs England Test series will mark the beginning of a new Test cycle. Thus, a new Test captain will take charge on May 24, as per a Sports Tak report.
Who will be India’s Test captain?
While experts are divided on who should be India’s new Test captain, Shubman Gill gets the vote of confidence for his age and ability to lead. As Jasprit Bumrah led in Rohit’s absence in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, many believe he should be the new leader. However, his constant workload management and frequent long-term injuries could prevent him from stepping up the ladder.
“My captain would be Jasprit Bumrah as he has already proven himself as a leader. As far my vice-captain is concerned, I would like Shubman Gill to gain some experience as Bumrah’s deputy. In case you have a problem with Bumrah’s fitness then my choice is KL Rahul,” former chief selector MSK Prasad told PTI.
Who will be the new vice-captain?
The BCCI hasn’t had a clear favourite for vice-captaincy since Virat Kohli stepped down as the captain. Ajinkya Rahane was his deputy while Rohit acted as one after Rahane was dropped from the side. However, Rohit never had a permanent deputy. Jasprit Bumrah acted as one while Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant also played the role. In the Sydney Test, Virat Kohli led the side with Bumrah suffering an injury after Rohit opted out of the match.
In the new setup, the selectors are likely to designate a vice-captain. If Jasprit Bumrah, by a miracle, becomes India’s full-time Test captain, Shubman Gill will be his deputy. That would help Bumrah to groom Gill as the next Test captain. Rishabh Pant is also one of the Test regulars who could get the job.
If Gill becomes the captain, Pant is likely to be his deputy. Both Gill and Pant have led India in T20Is. KL Rahul is also an option, but at 33 years of age, he may not be considered for the role, especially when he hasn’t been a regular face in the Test setup.
India vs England Test series begins on June 20, with Team India set to play a four-day practice match against India A starting June 13. The first batch of players would leave on June 6, followed by others who would play the IPL 2025 final.
The post BCCI to announce new India Test captain on May 24, Ajit Agarkar & Gautam Gambhir to address media appeared first on Inside Sport India.