Another series and there is another captain for India Cricket Team. With Rohit Sharma rested from the first two ODIs of India vs Australia series, KL Rahul will lead the side. While he isn’t the first-choice skipper, Hardik Pandya too is rested. While questions may be raised for ignoring Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul will have a litmus test as a potential Rohit Sharma successor in ODIs post-World Cup.
Rohit Sharma, 37, is likely to give up on one format after World Cup. And while Hardik Pandya seems to be the natural successor, will he be able to play both whiteball formats is a big question mark.
Captaincy options after Rohit Sharma
- Hardik Pandya (ODI & T20I)
- KL Rahul (ODI)
- Rishabh Pant (All formats)
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Shreyas Iyer (All formats)
However, a senior BCCI official has denied any discussions regarding captaincy. As per him, Rohit will continue until he says otherwise or there is a need for review following World Cup.
“There is no timeline on choosing Rohit’s successor. He is the captain and will remain so until there is something wrong. Rohit hasn’t talked to us about retiring from one format. And many things will depend on World Cup success,” the official told InsideSport ahead of India vs Australia series.
KL Rahul Captaincy Record:
| Format | Matches | Won | Lost | Winning % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.66 |
| ODI | 7 | 4 | 3 | 57.14 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100 |
| IPL | 51 | 25 | 24 | 50.98 |
Is KL Rahul back in plans?
Following a poor run of form, first, KL Rahul was removed as the vice-captain of the Test team and then the Playing XI. He hasn’t featured in T20Is since T20 World Cup. However, he remains a crucial player for India in ODIs. But despite Jasprit Bumrah’s presence, selectors surprised all by handing him captaincy duties in the first two India vs Australia ODIs in Rohit’s absence.
“KL was never out of the leadership group. As for why Jasprit was not handed over the captaincy is because as a fast bowler, he may not feature in both games. And he will not be on the field the whole match. That is why, there was a need for someone else. KL being the keeper will be close to action and is an automatic choice,” the official added.
But a lot will change after the ODI World Cup. Even though Rohit Sharma has indicated that he would want to play in the T20 World Cup in June, it will be Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee’s call. Hardik Pandya, barring West Indies series, has done well as the captain. And there is no discussion yet on removing him.
“The focus is on ODI World Cup. Any discussions regarding T20s will be after that. Whether Rohit or Virat (Kohli) will play T20Is will be based on form and discussion with the selectors. We have time till South Africa series to take a call on,” the official added.
