India Squad Australia Test: IND vs AUS – BCCI and the BCCI Selection Committee have given India captain Rohit Sharma the power to decide who will be India’s next vice-captain in Test. As Shiv Sundar Das-led selection committee stripped KL Rahul of vice-captaincy, snatching away his immunity, it is now on Rohit to pick his deputy, at least for the last two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India lead in the series 2-0. One of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara will be Rohit’s deputy in Indore and Ahmedabad Tests. Follow India vs Australia LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
KL Rahul was the designated vice-captain when the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee announced the squad in December. But as Rahul continues to struggle with his form, the selectors have relieved him of his duty. Now, it is on Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to take a call on whether they will back Shubman Gill for the 3rd Test, beginning March 1 or KL Rahul.
“It was decided not to name any vice-captain. Instead, the power was given to Rohit Sharma. Who will lead the side in case he has to leave the field is Rohit Sharma’s call,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.
India Squad Australia Test: BCCI hands Rohit Sharma power to pick new VICE-CAPTAIN after dropping KL Rahul, one of Pujara, Ashwin & Jadeja likely, Follow IND vs AUS LIVE Updates
While the selectors did not make any changes to the Test team, the only noticeable difference was missing ‘Vice Captain’ beside KL Rahul’s name. As usual, the BCCI did not care to officially explain the situation. However, it is understood that as the four selectors flew in from Kolkata to pick the squad in Delhi, left room for Rohit to name his deputy.
It also allows Rahul Dravid to pick Shubman Gill as Rohit’s opening partner for Indore Test. With scores of 20, 17 & 1 in the series, Rahul has not done any favour to retain his place in the Playing XI. In the last 12 months, he has averaged 13.57, worse than Ashwin (37.00) and even Mohammad Shami (21.80).
However, the only reason KL Rahul is still in the Test squad and not playing Irani Cup is the backing from captain and the coach. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan who deserved a call-up will play in the Irani Cup for Rest of India.
“Of late there has been a lot of talk about his batting. For us, as the management, we look at the potential of any individual, not just KL, and players with potential will get extended run. Batting at Lord’s on a damp wicket, it was one of the best hundreds I have seen, Centurion also. So, he has potential and we are backing him,” Rohit Sharma said at the post-match press conference.
India Squad Australia Test: BCCI hands Rohit Sharma power to pick new VICE-CAPTAIN after dropping KL Rahul, one of Pujara, Ashwin & Jadeja likely, Follow IND vs AUS LIVE Updates
Rahul Dravid echoed similar sentiments, calling Rahul one of the most successful openers overseas. He also promised to back him.
“KL Rahul has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got hundred in South Africa, England and we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this phase,” Dravid said.
Who will be India’s next Test Vice-Captain?
- While the idea was to groom Rahul to take the mantle when Rohit calls it quits, there is a change in plan.
- With no Rishabh Pant, Rohit will turn to three most senior players in the squad barring Virat Kohli.
- Cheteshwar Pujara has already been KL Rahul’s deputy in Bangladesh.
- Ravindra Jadeja has been Shikhar Dhawan’s deputy in KL Rahul’s absence on the West Indies tour.
- But Ravichandran Ashwin is yet to get the title.
- While many have backed him to be the official vice-captain, it is yet to happen.
- As Virat Kohli won’t take up the deputy title after leading India successfully, either of the three will take the title for the remaining two Test.
India Squad Australia Test: BCCI hands Rohit Sharma power to pick new VICE-CAPTAIN after dropping KL Rahul, one of Pujara, Ashwin & Jadeja likely, Follow IND vs AUS LIVE Updates
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