Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. This decision came as a surprise to many fans and experts. He last played a Test match in December 2024 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Everyone expected him to lead Team India on the England tour after IPL 2025, but he stepped away from red-ball cricket. Rohit has already retired from T20 cricket and clarified that he will only focus on ODIs.
With Rohit stepping down, the Indian cricket team urgently needs a new Test captain. The BCCI has to decide soon because India will face England in a 5-match Test series right after IPL 2025.
Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul: Top Contenders for Test Captaincy
The retirement of Rohit Sharma has opened a race among a few key players. Currently, three names are at the top of this list — Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul. Each of them has some captaincy experience and leadership qualities.
- Shubman Gill is young and seen as the future of Indian cricket. He has captained the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and shown calm leadership. While he has the potential, he needs more time before taking up a significant role like Test captaincy.
- Jasprit Bumrah already has experience leading the team in one test match. He has also served as vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. Bumrah is India’s key pace bowler and has shown maturity and discipline over the years. His calm nature and cricketing brain make him a strong candidate.
- KL Rahul has also captained the Indian Test team. He has good international experience and leads the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Rahul is a solid batsman and is often seen as a reliable backup leader.
What Cricket Legends Say About the New Captain
Many former Indian cricketers have shared their thoughts on who should take over after Rohit Sharma.
During a match between KKR and CSK in IPL 2025, Harbhajan Singh said, “If not Rohit, I see Bumrah as the best choice. He is already a vice-captain and has leadership qualities. Gill is good, but he can wait for a year.”
While discussing the same topic, Aakash Chopra said, “Bumrah had an injury issue earlier. The selectors might worry about his workload in a 5-match series. Will he be available for all five Tests?”
Sanjay Bangar, the former India batting coach, added, “Bumrah is ready. He should be made captain. KL Rahul can be the vice-captain.”
The views are mixed, but Bumrah has support from many veterans. He is already part of the leadership group and has a good track record under pressure.
BCCI’s Task: Choose Stability and Long-Term Vision
The BCCI now has a tough decision to make. They must choose someone who can lead the team for the next few years, not just for one series. The England tour will be a big test. Whether they pick experience like Bumrah or Rahul or go with young blood like Gill, the choice will shape India’s Test cricket future.
Sources: ABP Live, IPL 2025 Broadcast Commentary.
