Board, selectors seek clarity for smooth captaincy transition
NEW DELHI: As India prepare to get into ODI mode with a series against England ahead of the all-important Champions Trophy later this month, captain Rohit Sharma has been asked to communicate his “future plans” to the BCCI and selectors after the completion of the ICC event.
TOI has learnt that the selectors are eager to set plans in motion for the 2027 ODI World Cup and start a transition process for Test cricket as well. They are keen to find a stable captaincy option in both formats. As for Virat Kohli, the selectors are willing to wait a bit more on his Test form, while his ODI prowess is not seen as a major problem.
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Opener Rohit turns 38 in April and will be almost 40 by the time the next ODI World Cup in South Africa comes around. He has endured a rough season in Test cricket in the last four months and even had to sit out of India’s last Test in Sydney in Jan. However, he hasn’t played enough ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup.
“The selectors and people in the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition,” a BCCI source said.
India travel to England for a five-Test tour after the IPL and the selectors will be tempted to have a long-term opening option in place along with fresh leadership. India have named Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the ODI team for the Champions Trophy. However, there have also been some discussions around Hardik Pandya being given the responsibility, given his experience.
As for the Test captaincy, with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness under the scanner, it won’t be an easy call to pick a successor to Rohit. It is understood the selectors may want to give the captaincy to someone young who can take the team forward.
“Bumrah’s chances of a long Test series or completing a full season will always be in doubt. The selectors may want a more stable option. Gill has been seen as a captaincy prospect but his returns in Test cricket have been average. Rishabh Pant could also be a strong candidate and maybe someone like Yashashvi Jaiswal can be groomed for the role,” said a source.
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