Aakash Chopra Picks 3 Candidates To Take Up Test Captaincy From Virat Kohli

Jan 17, 2022 at 2:03 PM

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Aakash Chopra Picks 3 Candidates To Take Up Test Captaincy From Virat Kohli

Aakash Chopra has suggested the three best options who could take over the reins of the Indian Test side from Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli decided to step down as Team India’s Test skipper after the 2-1 series loss to South Africa.

With no heir apparent in front of them, the Indian selectors might have a tough task to choose his successor. Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has said that Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as Team India Test captain has indicated the process of transition, which was not planned as well.

Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra: Rohit Sharma Most Obvious Choice As Test Skipper While KL Rahul Is Another Option

While raising question marks over Rohit Sharma’s fitness, Aakash Chopra highlighted that the Mumbaikar is probably the favored option as he is also the new limited-overs skipper.

“Rohit Sharma seems to be the most obvious choice because he is the ODI and T20I captain at the moment and the last one year was a watershed event for him in Tests. But there are serious questions about his fitness because the hamstring is troubling him since 2020. In theory, it seems alright but will he be able to remain fit?”

KL Rahul And Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: Twitter)
KL Rahul And Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: Twitter)

The former India cricketer feels KL Rahul is the other most likely candidate for the role. KL Rahul will led the Indian ODI team in the next 3 ODIs against hosts South Africa in absence of injured Rohit Sharma.

Aakash Chopra elaborated: “KL Rahul also seems to be an obvious choice. His stature has grown in Test cricket over the last one year. But it is also true that it has happened only after August. He was made to open and has not looked back since. But does he come across as your natural leader?”

However, Aakash Chopra did add that he has not been able to make up his mind on KL Rahul based on what he has seen him captain the Punjab Kings and the odd match for Team India.

Aakash Chopra: Rishabh Pant’s Captaincy Credentials Hasn’t Ben Tested Yet

Aakash Chopra pointed out that Rishabh Pant could also be an option, which has been suggested by the former skipper and batsman Sunil Gavaskar as well.

The former explained: “Can we make Rishabh Pant the captain? Sunny bhai has also asked him to be made the Test captain. Not a bad choice but Rishabh Pant goes too much up and down. He is young and his place is certain in the Test side but is he your leader? His captaincy credentials have not been tested yet.”

Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: BCCI)
Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: BCCI)

The reputed commentator also shared his order of preference among the three best candidates for the role.

Aakash Chopra observed: “My vote is for Rohit Sharma as of now, short-term. Second is KL Rahul – you can go with him. Rishabh Pant is the third, it is a slightly left-field or out-of-the-box selection, you can also look towards him.”

Aakash Chopra all but ruled out the chances of Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah becoming the next Team India Test captain. He reasoned that Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have not cemented their place in the Indian Test side as they are struggling with their form as was evident in the preceding South Africa Tests.

While Ravichandran Ashwin might not figure in the playing XI in overseas conditions, Jasprit Bumrah could be given a break for the Tests played in India. Aakash Chopra named Virat Kohli the best-ever Indian Test skipper. Virat Kohli led India in 68 Tests in which they won 40 games as well.

Aakash Chopra further highlighted that Virat Kohli was appointed as the skipper of the Test team when India was at the No.7 spot in the ICC rankings and when he stepped down as skipper India is ranked No.1.

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