インドはキャプテンとして、繊細なロヒット・シャルマを攻撃的なリシャブ・パントに置き換えることを検討する時期が来たのだろうか？

Rohit Sharma’s losing streak currently stands at 4-0 in India‘s last four matches led by the Hitman and there is no doubt that the veteran is in the twilight of his career. While there are arguments that Sharma should be dropped from the Test team given his poor form in the latter half of 2024, India are tasked with finding a new skipper for the longest format.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s vice-captain who also led the side in Perth, would be an obvious choice as Rohit’s replacement, one cannot forget that he is injury-prone and heavily managed in terms of workload and hence isn’t guaranteed a spot in the XI for each and every Test. In such a case, one option that India can choose from is none other than Rishabh Pant.

Why Rishabh Pant should replace Rohit Sharma as India Test captain

Rishabh Pant has been an integral part of the Indian Test setup ever since making his debut in the longest format in 2018. Barring the one year he was out of action after a horrific car crash, the southpaw is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the Test side. And one can’t question Pant’s credentials as captain either, given that he has led Delhi Capitals in the IPL for multiple seasons and enjoys a decent track record. With that being said, he has never captained the Test side previously.

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However, when Rohit Sharma took over the reins from Virat Kohli in 2022, little did he have any experience leading the side in the longest format of the game. The time has perhaps come for India to take another bold call and begin the much-needed transition by handing over the mantle from Rohit Sharma to a younger Rishabh Pant.

Unlike Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant aren’t that aggressive while leading the side from the front. But, the southpaw’s temperament on the field is something that can constantly inspire his teammates and hence makes him one of the best suited choices for replacing Rohit Sharma. For India, Pant has captained the side in 5 T20Is only while playing majority of his career under other captains.

The bottom line is that it is about time India start looking for Rohit Sharma’s replacement and there is no better option than Rishabh Pant – given his experience, attitude and ability to lead a side from the front.