Team India’s humiliating 0-3 series setback against New Zealand in the Test series has prompted concerns about Rohit Sharma’s future as their captain in the longest format. Many believe that the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will make or break Rohit’s Test career. While Jasprit Bumrah is India’s chosen vice-captain in Tests, former India batter Mohammad Kaif has identified a different candidate as his top pick for full-time captaincy. Sharing his candid thoughts on the Test captaincy, Kaif believes wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is the only ‘worthy’ successor to Rohit for the leadership post in the red-ball format.
Rishabh Pant is the only current team member in contention to be Test captain. He deserves it; whenever he has played, he has put the Indian team ahead. He’s prepared to play a match-winning knock regardless of the number he’s assigned. He has scored in all types of conditions, including England, Australia, and South Africa. “Whether it’s seaming or turning tracks, he’s a complete batter,” Kaif remarked on Instagram Live.
Kaif highlighted Pant’s effect in the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, claiming that the wicket-keeper batsman made the Kiwis nervous for as long as he was on the pitch. Kaif also praised Pant’s significant progress in recent years, claiming he is the only legitimate candidate for Test captaincy after Rohit.
He’s already demonstrated that his keeping has improved significantly. New Zealand breathed easily when he got to the crease. As a result, if you’re looking for a future captain, I believe Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, particularly in Test cricket,” he added.
While Pant has the credentials to lead the squad, Bumrah is leading the race for Test leadership, according to the BCCI selection committee.