Rishabh Pant is India’s aggressive vice-captain in the longest format of the game, but an irritating fracture has delayed his Test comeback for now. With the West Indies’ home series starting on October 2nd, selectors have an interesting question to consider: who takes the leadership void left by Pant? The challenge is not obvious because India’s squad is laced with young superstars and veterans alike. Let’s look at the three top candidates who could potentially take over Pant’s vice-captaincy and why they all make sense in differing ways.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul
If the selectors are looking for the safest pair of hands, KL Rahul is their guy. He’s been here before—literally. Back in 2021, Rahul was named Test vice-captain for the South Africa tour, and he has led India across formats when needed. Leadership isn’t new to him; he’s captained in ODIs, T20Is, and the IPL, and he even stood in during recent overseas Tests when both Gill and Pant weren’t on the field.
The positive with Rahul is experience. You don’t play more than 50 Tests and have to also have had a calm head, before the pressure, you can handle it. He has struggled for form – and even lost the vice-captaincy in 2023 after a run of poor form – but after that, he has bounced back well. He can bat anywhere in the order, and he is a captain who will contribute on the field and in the change room.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah
Bowlers are typically not in the leadership limelight in Indian cricket, but Jasprit Bumrah has bucked that trend. He has already led India in Tests – including the famous Edgbaston Test against England in 2022, and most recently in 2025 down under in Australia. Bumrah is not simply considered a strike bowler, but a role model of excellence, respect, and being a leader with his own deeds.
His recent tour of England illustrated precisely why he is a contender. He only played three matches, but Bumrah took 14 wickets, which was equal second for India. That is impact. Workload is always a concern (he’s coming off the Asia Cup), but if he is fit for both Tests against the West Indies, Bumrah would add balance to the leadership group. It would also be unique to have a bowler in a vice-captaincy spot.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Now here’s a curveball—what if India uses this chance to groom a youngster? At just 23, Yashasvi Jaiswal has already become a run machine in Test cricket. Over 2000 runs, six centuries, and an overseas record most seniors would envy—Jaiswal is no longer just a “promising” opener, he’s a mainstay.
Although letting him take on the vice-captaincy now may seem audacious, it could pay dividends in the future. Consider the possibility of bedding him close to the captain in the Shubman Gill era before growing into the role gradually, while chipping in with the bat, of course. India has historically waited too long before taking a plunge on young players in a leadership role.
FAQs
- Why is India looking for a new Test vice-captain?
Because Rishabh Pant is injured and likely to miss the West Indies series.
- Why is KL Rahul considered the safest option?
He has prior leadership experience and is one of the most senior players in the squad.
- What makes Jasprit Bumrah a strong contender?
He has captained India before and is a proven match-winner with the ball.
