India New Test Captain: Rohit Sharma to be named Test captain – Rohit Sharma was the next in line to be named Test captain but a persistent hamstring injury and questionable fitness meant, BCCI maintained silence over the topic. But Rohit returned to cricket after two months and looked SUPER FIT and agile. As the limited-overs skipper has brushed aside all questions on his fitness, the deck is now clear for him to be named India’s next Test captain from Sri Lanka Test series, succeeding Virat Kohli. Follow Live Updates on Indian cricket on InsideSport.IN.
The expected change in itinerary of the Sri Lanka series will delay Rohit Sharma’s debut as the Test captain. The Test series will now be played after the 3-match T20 series.
India New Test Captain: All questions on Rohit Sharma’s FITNESS cleared, selectors ready to name him India’s NEW TEST CAPTAIN
India New Test Captain: All questions on Rohit Sharma’s FITNESS cleared, selectors ready to name him India’s NEW TEST CAPTAIN
On Sunday, Rohit Sharma looked agile in fielding and batting. So much so that a concerned Rishabh Pant was caught on stump mic saying ‘Easy, easy’ as he ran for the ball when it travelled between the 1st and third slip.
After resting Rohit Sharma from the New Zealand Test series and the South Africa tour, selectors sent a clear message, “Work on fitness, work on muscles”. Rohit Sharma did that in the two months break he got. He reduced 8kgs of weight, worked with a personal trainer and at the NCA to get back to shape. On his return to cricket — as the full-time captain — Rohit slammed 51-ball 60 in the 1st ODI against West Indies.
“I’ve been off for a while and didn’t play for two months. I was back home, though, and hitting balls. It’s about finding rhythm as a batter and I was confident going into this game. The pitch had something in it,” Rohit Sharma said after the match.
India New Test Captain: All questions on Rohit Sharma’s FITNESS cleared, selectors ready to name him India’s NEW TEST CAPTAIN
Why is Rohit Sharma all set to be named New Test captain?
- After Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma is the only eligible candidate for the job and is currently the best Test batsman from India.
- Ajinkya Rahane was the only other choice but his poor run of form has forced him out of the Test side. He is not expected to be considered for the Sri Lanka series.
- The next in line are KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. While KL has had an unimpressive journey as captain, Rishabh Pant is too young to take the role immediately.
- The only roadblock for Rohit Sharma was his fitness but he cleared all doubts with a grand return to cricket after a two-month break.
India New Test Captain: All questions on Rohit Sharma’s FITNESS cleared, selectors ready to name him India’s NEW TEST CAPTAIN
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India New Test Captain: All questions on Rohit Sharma’s FITNESS cleared, selectors ready to name him India’s NEW TEST CAPTAIN
Rohit all set to be named Test captain – Despite KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s names doing rounds, the clear choice for Test captaincy has been Rohit Sharma, at least for this ICC Test Championship cycle.
Why was Rohit not named Test captain immediately? – The primary reason was his fitness and it was the only roadblock. Nobody questions Rohit’s leadership quality and he put that to the rest leading India to a fine 6-wicket victory in the 1st ODI against West Indies. He also proved his fitness along the way.
While BCCI and Rohit Sharma continue to maintain silence, the preparations have already begun for the crowning ceremony of India’s NEW KING of cricket. Ironically, Rohit Sharma will make his full-time Test captaincy debut on Virat Kohli’s 100th Test at his own den in Bengaluru against Sri Lanka. But Rohit brushed the captaincy rumours aside.
“There’s time for that. My focus is on limited-overs cricket. Workload management is important. Forget Test captaincy for now. I have no idea for now. Like I said, there is the West Indies and Sri Lanka series, for now, to focus on,” Rohit said ahead of the 1st match.
India New Test Captain: All questions on Rohit Sharma’s FITNESS cleared, selectors ready to name him India’s NEW TEST CAPTAIN
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