Rohit Sharma Out Of First BGT Test Match: Who Should Lead India In His Absence?

Rohit to miss 1st Test Vs AUS [Source: @SPORTYVISHAL/X.Com] Rohit to miss 1st Test Vs AUS [Source: @SPORTYVISHAL/X.Com]

The Border-Gavaskar Series is just 40 days away and Team India have already been given a massive jolt in the form of Rohit Sharma. The India skipper is likely to miss the first Test Vs Australia due to personal reasons. He has conveyed his decision to coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management.

Last time when India toured Australia in 2020, it was Virat Kohli, the India skipper who played the first match in Adelaide and then left for India for the birth of his daughter, Vamika. In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane led the team as India won 2-1.

However, a similar situation has arise as India need to find a new captain for the first Test match, starting in Perth on November 22. Luckily for India, there are numerous candidates for the captaincy position.

Bumrah, the front-runner in Rohit's absence

Jasprit Bumrah will be the front-runner to lead India in Rohit's absence. He has previously led India in a solitary Test Vs England in 2022, but unfortunately, the match ended in a defeat for the Indian side.

But one thing that goes in Bumrah's corner is his sharp cricketing mind. Generally bowlers have a sharp mind as they need to deceive batters with their variations. Bumrah can use this skillset to lead the Indian side. Just like bowlers, even captains need to be tactically smart, a trait which he possesses. Plus, fans are eager to see two bowlers lead their respective sides in BGT - Bumrah and Pat Cummins.

KL Rahul, the forgotten leader

KL Rahul has led India in Test matches before, and could be a safe choice, if Rohit only misses a solitary Test match. He has the captaincy experience at the international and franchise level and should come under consideration.

However, there is one thing which goes against KL Rahul - his defensive mindset. KL is generally a defensive captain, something which works in limited overs cricket, but in Test matches a leader should be proactive. Especially on Australian shores, you need aggression to dominate the home side. Will BCCI take a bet on KL? we'll find out.

Toss up between Pant/Gill

Two young stars of Indian cricket and both have captaincy experience in the IPL. Rohit is 37, and if India are planning a long-term overhaul, maybe this is the tour to look at. Remember how Virat Kohli was made the captain in 2014 in the absence of MS Dhoni? Maybe India can take a leaf out of that series and take a bold call.

Both Gill and Pant will be the batting mainstays in Tests for the next 10-years, and one of them should be the leader in Rohit's absence, just to see how things go under their leadership.