As Team India is all set to fly to South Africa on Wednesday, Indian selectors and the Team think tank are discussing the possible candidates for the vice-captaincy role in the 3-Test series against South Africa. If sources are to be believed, KL Rahul is the frontrunner to take this job in absence of Rohit Sharma who was earlier appointed for this role in South Africa.
There are a few other candidates for which selectors would want to discuss with Virat Kohli before making the final announcement.
KL Rahul The Choice As Selectos Not Keen TO Give A Chance To Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane is another candidate who can present his case strongly for the job. Notable that under his captaincy India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. And he also captained the first test against New Zealand at Kanpur. The only thing that goes against him, is his batting form. In 2021 he scored 411 runs with an average of 19.57 which means he is not a certainty in the XI anymore.
“There’s no point in looking back, At the moment, the odds are tilted towards Rahul. Rahane is not a certainty to start in the playing XI. Even in case of Ashwin, the management has often not played him abroad. In that case, it’s tough to make either of them the vice-captain. The idea is to announce Kohli’s deputy in a day or two.” a source close to the selectors spoke to TOI on Tuesday.
The case of R Ashwin is kind of similar. Though he is bowling brilliantly and his recent batting numbers ain’t bad either. But conditions in South Africa might force India to go with a pace attack last they did last time at Johannesburg.
Rishabh Pant is another one who presents his case strongly. He led Delhi Capitals well in the last IPL and he is someone whom selectors see as a future leader. But poor series in England might go against him as selectors might give him another year or two before giving such responsibility.
Team India is all set to fly to the rainbow nation on Wednesday where they will be staying in a resort.
“It’s important that two teams stay at a place where there are no other guests. Even the India A and South Africa A teams were kept in a hotel where there will no other guests. A resort gives breathing space to the players and their families. they can indulge in outdoor activities and not be confined to close premises.” a BCCI source said.
Virat Kohli will hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon before departing for the tour.