Only Rishabh Pant in contention

Among captain who’ve led India in more than 10 matches, Rohit has the second best win percentage.

Rohit Sharma might be unavailable for the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. So, Jasprit Bumrah might lead the India cricket team for the second time. The premier pacer is an astute reader of the game and the first player on the name sheet. Many would say that makes him a deserved captain.

Match-winner Rishabh Pant, over others

Not for Mohammed Kaif. The former Indian cricketer feels that Bumrah might be a fine stop-gap solution, but if you’re looking for a long-term captaincy option, there is only one player in the team, and that’s Rishabh Pant.

During a live session on his Instagram account, Kaif explained why it’s Pant over others for him. “From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is in contention to be Test captain. He’s worthy of it; whenever he’s played, he’s put the Indian team in front. Whichever number he comes to play, he’s ready to play a match-winning knock. He’s scored in all types of conditions, be it England, Australia, or South Africa. Be it seaming or turning tracks, he’s a complete batter,” he said.

Rohit Sharma’s successor

Although Kaif didn’t mention it, one of the reasons why Pant could be made India’s next Test captain, i.e., Rohit Sharma‘s successor, is because of Bumrah’s fitness. The BCCI has tried to wrap the pacer in cotton wool, ensuring he doesn’t get injured or overworked. He was even rested from the Mumbai Test despite a whitewash looming large. That won’t be the case for Pant. Batters hardly if ever are rested for injury prevention, and in Pant’s case, he’s a wicketkeeper as well. So, if not his batting, his work behind the stumps can still win you games.

“When Rishabh Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend. He’s shown that already; his keeping has improved drastically. Till he was at the crease, New Zealand didn’t breathe easily. Hence, I believe from the current lot, if you’re looking for a future captain, Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in Test cricket,” Kaif added.