Rohit Sharma’s untimely hamstring injury has given the Indian team management a huge headache. While Priyank Panchal has been named as his replacement for the 3-match Test series against South Africa, there’s no clarity on the name of the vice-captain.
The leadership structure in the Indian cricket team seems to be going through a huge change, with new captains and vice-captains being named all across the formats. While Rohit has replaced Virat Kohli as India’s ODI captain, the Hitman was also named India’s Test vice-captain, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.
Now that Rohit is injured, who will be India’s Test vice-captain? We take a look at the candidates:
Jasprit Bumrah:Â Having pace bowlers as captains isn’t the norm but this trend seems to be changing. Australia had recently appointed Pat Cummins as the Test team’s skipper after Tim Paine stepped down. Considering Bumrah is a central figure in the Indian Test team, there’s no reason why he can’t be given the responsibility.
Although Rohit will take over the role of Kohli’s deputy in the Test format after he returns from injury, Bumrah could definitely be tested for the vice-captain’s role for the series against the Proteas.
Ravichandran Ashwin:Â The senior-most member in the Indian Test team, Ravichandran Ashwin has had captaincy experiences in his career before. Though there would’ve been a doubt over his place in the team if Ravindra Jadeja was fit, the current situation makes Ashwin an undisputed starter.
Considering the experience Ashwin has under his belt and his, he could be the perfect choice to assist Kohli for the three Tests against South Africa.