With Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test of India’s tour of Australia in doubt due to personal reasons, the selection of India’s new Test vice-captain has become a significant decision. The selectors are keen on appointing a vice-captain not as a temporary choice but with a long-term perspective, as they seek to groom a successor for Rohit.
The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth, and with Rohit’s participation uncertain, the vice-captain could step into the leadership role for the match. The two leading contenders for the role are Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom are being considered as long-term leadership options for the team.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Leadership Experience
Jasprit Bumrah, who will turn 31 in December, has previously led India in a one-off Test against England in 2022 when Rohit was ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19. Bumrah, the first fast bowler to captain India since Kapil Dev in 1987, has also served as vice-captain in various series, including home Tests against Sri Lanka and a tour of South Africa in 2023-24. He also led India in the T20I series against Ireland in 2023 after recovering from an injury. However, Bumrah’s workload management could become a factor, as he may miss some Test matches in the future.
Shubman Gill: A Promising Candidate for the Future
Shubman Gill, aged 25, is seen as a rising star in Indian cricket and a potential long-term leader. While he has not held any leadership roles in Test cricket, he has led India in white-ball formats, including a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, where India secured a 4-1 win. Gill has also captained India A in the Duleep Trophy and served as vice-captain in the home series against Sri Lanka. His leadership potential has been acknowledged by the team management, and he is viewed as a candidate for future captaincy.
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Gill has also demonstrated his leadership abilities in the IPL, where he captained Gujarat Titans in 2024. His all-format presence and growing maturity make him a strong contender for the vice-captaincy role.
The Decision Process
While the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will make the final decision, it is expected that the team management and BCCI officials will be consulted before the appointment is finalized. The selectors are focused on making a choice that benefits India’s long-term leadership structure, with an eye on grooming a successor for Rohit Sharma in the years to come.
As India prepares for their tough tour of Australia, the decision on the vice-captaincy will be crucial, especially if Rohit is unavailable for the Perth Test. Both Gill and Bumrah offer strong credentials, and whoever is chosen will have the opportunity to make their mark as a leader in one of cricket’s most challenging arenas.
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