With Rohit Sharma calling time on his Test career earlier this month, India finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The decision on who takes over as the next red-ball captain will shape the team’s future in the 2023–25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, starting with a high-stakes series against England.
Initially seen as the natural successor due to his leadership in Australia and the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah has opted out of the captaincy race. Concerns over workload and injury management, especially during long five-match Test series like the upcoming one against England, mean India cannot rely on his consistent availability. While his cricketing brain and past success as stand-in captain make him a strong candidate, the risk is too high.
Rishabh Pant has emerged as the most viable option for several analysts. Despite a lukewarm IPL 2025 season and limited success in white-ball formats, Pant remains a standout performer in Test cricket. His centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa and an average above 42 make him a reliable starter. As a captain, Pant has already led in T20Is and IPL matches, earning praise for his tactical acumen and energy.
Experts like Nikhil Naz, Saurabh Kumar, Siddharth Gulati, and Harshit believe Pant is not only dependable in foreign conditions but also brings the kind of unpredictability and fearlessness needed in modern Test leadership. Pant's temperament may need refinement, but the foundation is strong.
Shubman Gill’s name has also been floated, mainly due to his leadership role with Gujarat Titans in the IPL and his potential as a long-term face of Indian cricket. However, many including Akshay Ramesh and Siddharth Viswanathan argue that Gill’s form in Tests, especially overseas, has not yet justified a promotion. He hasn't scored a fifty outside Asia since 2021 and was even dropped during the Australia tour.
Proponents like Viswanathan believe India’s tradition of batter-captains and Gill’s clean image make him a safe bet. But critics question whether added leadership pressure might derail his development as a consistent Test batter.
Perhaps the most interesting take comes from Anurag Jha, who suggests BCCI should convince Virat Kohli to return from Test retirement at least for the England series. Given Kohli’s unmatched experience, past captaincy record, and ongoing fitness, this move could offer India temporary stability. It's not unprecedented in sports Sunil Chhetri was recently persuaded out of retirement in football and Kohli’s return could rally the team at a transitional moment.
In the final analysis, despite each candidate having flaws, Rishabh Pant appears to be the most compelling option. He’s a guaranteed starter, excels under pressure in red-ball cricket, and already has leadership experience. While Gill needs more time to solidify his Test credentials and Bumrah’s health remains a concern, Pant offers a balance of skill, presence, and potential. With England around the corner, BCCI will have to make a bold yet strategic call. Backing Pant could not only stabilize the present but also lay the foundation for a confident and attacking Indian Test team of the future.
