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Rohit Sharma, after leading India to a T20 World Cup win earlier this year, clearly stated that he’s not planning to slow down. He said he intends to “achieve more.” However, his decision to step down from T20I internationals indicates he’s beginning to manage his workload and career more carefully. At 37, Rohit is nearing the end of his illustrious career. While he handed the T20I captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must start preparing for a new leader in both Test and ODI formats.
Although Rohit continues to contribute significantly, the BCCI recognizes the need to groom a successor who can take over once he steps down completely. The search for India’s next captain has already begun, with a few strong candidates emerging.
Shubman Gill: The Rising Star
Recently, the BCCI gave young opener Shubman Gill the opportunity to lead India in white-ball cricket. His captaincy role with Gujarat Titans in the IPL further suggests that he’s being considered a potential future captain of the Indian team. Gill’s calm temperament, consistent performances, and growing maturity make him a prime candidate for leadership.
By entrusting Gill with leadership roles, the BCCI clearly views him as a long-term solution for India’s captaincy. His impressive journey from a promising young talent to a dependable batsman now seems to be progressing towards leadership, marking the next chapter in his career.
Hardik Pandya’s Setback
Meanwhile, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, once seen as a strong captaincy contender, has faced significant setbacks. His recent failure as captain of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, coupled with concerns about his fitness, has hurt his chances. As a result, the BCCI replaced him with Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain.
Pandya’s dip in form and ongoing fitness concerns have impacted his leadership potential. Although he remains an important player for India, his credentials as a leader have diminished, leaving uncertainty about his future in that role.
Who Will Succeed Rohit Sharma?
The pressing question remains: who will take over as India’s captain across all formats? In a recent episode of Cricbuzz’s ‘heyCB’ show, a fan asked former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, “Who will be India’s future captain in all formats?”
Karthik immediately named two players: “Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill.” He believes both have the potential to lead India shortly. “Both Pant and Gill have captained IPL teams and have led India in international matches. I think they can become the all-format captain for the national team.”
Rishabh Pant’s Comeback and Leadership Potential
With his fearless approach to cricket, Rishabh Pant has always demonstrated natural leadership on the field. After surviving a serious car accident in December 2022, Pant remarkably returned to competitive cricket in the IPL. He then rejoined the Indian team in white-ball matches and has now been selected for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in September.
Pant’s resilience and overcoming such a life-threatening incident have impressed everyone. His leadership experience with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL has positioned him well for future responsibilities with the Indian team.
Shubman Gill vs Rishabh Pant: Who Will Lead?
As both Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant emerge as strong candidates, the BCCI faces the tough decision of choosing Rohit Sharma’s successor. Gill’s composed and steady style contrasts with Pant’s aggressive, fearless approach. Each brings unique strengths to the role, and the final decision will depend on the direction India’s team wants to go in. With these two talented players in the mix, the future of Indian cricket leadership looks promising, as they prepare to step up when the time comes.
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