According to a report by Sky Sports, Rohit Sharma had planned to retire from Test cricket midway through the upcoming five-Test series in England, similar to how MS Dhoni exited during the 2014 Australia tour. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected the request, opting for stability throughout the series.
The report claims selectors offered Rohit a chance to travel as a player, but not as captain, which reportedly led him to retire before the series began. This sudden move, followed by Virat Kohli’s retirement just days later, has left a leadership vacuum in India’s Test setup.
Gill, Pant, Iyer in Line to Lead India in Tests
Following the dual retirement blow, the BCCI selection committee has reportedly held informal discussions with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as potential successors to Rohit. While Gill is seen as the frontrunner to lead India in England, Pant is likely to be named vice-captain.
The final squad announcement is expected around May 23, but selectors are still debating Gill’s role. One selector reportedly raised concerns over Gill’s place in the XI, suggesting he may be better suited for the vice-captaincy instead.
Gavaskar: IPL Is Perfect Training Ground for Future Captains
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in, stating that the IPL provides the ideal environment to groom future Indian leaders. He praised the leadership styles of Gill (GT), Pant (LSG), and Shreyas Iyer (PBKS), suggesting each brings a unique blend of aggression, awareness, and composure reminiscent of Dhoni, Rohit, and Kohli.
“It would take a couple of years to reach the level of our super captains. But T20 pressure is the best training ground for captaincy,” Gavaskar said.
He noted Gill’s competitive nature, Pant’s on-field awareness behind the stumps, and Iyer’s positive leadership as signs of promise for India’s next generation of Test captains.
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