India’s Test captaincy dilemma following Rohit Sharma’s retirement is a revealing moment for the team as it transitions into a new era. With the five-match England Test series looming large, selectors and fans alike are debating who should lead the side in the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle. The debate centres around three main candidates: Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill — each with advantages and drawbacks.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Ideal Captain, But Not the Available One
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Pros: Bumrah is widely respected for his cricketing acumen, calm demeanor, and ability to lead by example. His leadership during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was impressive, and his ability to perform in high-pressure overseas conditions is unmatched.
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Cons: Bumrah has opted out of the captaincy race citing workload management, a legitimate concern given his history of back injuries and the toll fast bowling takes. His potential unavailability for all five Tests in England makes long-term leadership a risky proposition.
Rishabh Pant: The Front-Runner
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Pros:
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Undisputed place in the Test XI, especially overseas, with centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa.
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Wicketkeeping + Batting combination offers dual value.
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Captained India in T20Is and has IPL leadership experience with Delhi Capitals and LSG.
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His aggressive instincts and fearlessness have often rescued India in tough red-ball situations.
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Cons:
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Critics point to his lack of discipline, occasional reckless shot selection, and poor form in white-ball cricket.
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His IPL 2025 captaincy and batting haven’t been stellar, raising questions about his temperament and consistency.
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Shubman Gill: A Stylish Batter, But Not Yet Ready?
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Pros:
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Young, articulate, and already captaining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
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Has some international captaincy exposure in T20Is.
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Represents a potential long-term investment.
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Cons:
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Form concerns in red-ball cricket, particularly outside Asia. He hasn’t scored a fifty in SENA countries or the West Indies since 2021.
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His spot in the XI isn't as secure as Pant’s.
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Could face pressure that disrupts his development as a Test batter.
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Outlier Suggestion: Virat Kohli's Comeback
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Anurag Jha’s proposal to coax Virat Kohli out of retirement is dramatic, yet not entirely far-fetched. Kohli remains a pillar of Indian cricket, and his return—even for a short stint—could offer much-needed stability and leadership. However, it hinges on Kohli’s willingness to reverse his decision, which currently seems unlikely.
Verdict from the Debate
There’s a clear consensus forming among many cricket analysts:
✅ Rishabh Pant is the most practical choice
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He’s a guaranteed starter in Tests.
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His overseas record is among the best in the team.
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He’s already proven he can handle pressure in difficult conditions.
While Bumrah might be the “ideal” captain in terms of leadership skills, availability trumps everything in a long Test series. Shubman Gill might be an investment for the future, but India cannot afford another captaincy gamble during a crucial Test cycle.
