- May 12, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket feels like the end of an era. Rohit gave India a sense of stability that is so difficult to find, whether it was his calm leadership, exemplary stroke play, or the way he handled tough overseas tours. Now, as the Indian team takes a new set of test series into a new World Test Championship cycle, and with an action-packed England tour on the horizon, the real question is—who’s going to fill Rohit’s enormous shoes? Let’s look at five candidates who are in line to become the next Test captain—and what each candidate brings that is different to the mix!
Jasprit Bumrah: The Relentless Warrior, But at What Cost?
Jasprit Bumrah
If cricket captains were chosen solely on grit and game-breaking ability, Bumrah would already have the job. He’s India’s spearhead in red-ball cricket and is currently ranked among the top Test bowlers in the world. He’s also had a taste of the captaincy before—leading India in three Tests, including two in Australia, where he stepped up in Rohit’s absence.
But here’s the catch: fast bowlers aren’t traditionally made Test captains for a reason. Bumrah’s body has taken a serious beating over the years, and the risk of burnout in a demanding five-Test series like the one in England looms large. Can India afford to risk their bowling ace by adding the mental and tactical burden of full-time leadership? It’s a tough call.
Shubman Gill: Stylish, Sharp, but Still in Beta Mode
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill looks good on paper—young, talented, and already seen as a long-term leader. And to be fair, he looks every inch a modern-day cricket captain.
However, there are questions raised about his reliability outside of Indian tracks. Away Tests have yielded a mediocre average of 29.50 and he was even worse in the World Test Championship Final 2023 (he missed two of the five Tests in Australia), there is a sense that the electors consider him to be a project too but while Gill’s time is now, Finland may be banking on it a little too hard.
KL Rahul: Reliable, Experienced, and Ready
KL Rahul
KL Rahul might not be the one getting the press, but he is dependable. He has captained three Tests and has done better than Bumrah in terms of win rates. He has flown under the radar somewhat, but has still been able to excite. He has shown himself to be a good enough player with the bat in tough times, let alone having a good tour in Australia.
His versatility works in his favor. He has batted all over, he has plenty of experience captaining sides in the IPL, and he knows what it is like to lead a team in each of the formats of the game. If the BCCI is looking for a safe pair of hands to help India through this period of transition, then Rahul could well be that person.
Shreyas Iyer: The Wildcard with Swagger
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer as Test captain? You might think that is a bit out there, but hear me out. He has captained the Kolkata Knight Riders with style, and he is also captaining Punjab in the IPL with Ricky Ponting.
Yes, he has not played a Test match for over 15 months and is not a guaranteed member of the red-ball set-up, however, Iyer demonstrates leadership characteristics, as well as a swagger, which could perhaps revive life in the Test team.
Rishabh Pant: X-Factor Behind the Stumps
Rishabh Pant
If India follows the aggressive playbook that was laid out by Rohit, then Rishabh Pant is the player to back. Pant is unpredictable and fearless; he has already shown leadership potential in the IPL and played five T20Is for India. He also has four Test centuries from six trials in away conditions, so he can produce away from home when the heat is on.
So, who do you think holds the captaincy? Is it going to be like India just plays it safe, or am I going to see a wild, bold move? Biz me in the comments.
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