Since Rohit Sharma gave up Test cricket, the hunt for India’s next captain is in full throttle, with Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill considered the top candidates. Former coach Sanjay Bangar has put in a word for KL Rahul to be granted his due as well. While Bumrah is well acknowledged for his skills and experience, Bangar had reservations against him, citing people like the selectors Ajit Agarkar and recent selections.
Bangar believes that nowadays the selections have changed, focusing on availability of the player and long-term potential. „Rahul is such a player who has a great track record, especially under difficult conditions. He has been a consistent performer, scoring crucial runs for India at the top, and also plays Tests regularly. Most of his hundreds are abroad. There cannot be any doubt regarding his skill,” Bangar said. Rahul, being around 31 or 32 years of age, has the time to be active during the next cycle of the World Test Championship.
With an overseas average of 31, Rahul has 2108 runs in 38 matches along with seven hundreds. Gill is still considered a leader-in-waiting; however, Bangar advises the cricket fraternity to keep their calm over this matter. `If you think only long-term, you are wrong. Sure, Gill is a prospect for the future, but there is no need to push him up right at this moment.”
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While Agarkar’s committee looks for players that can stand the test of time and be in good form, Rahul’s recent comeback and experience might swing the decision in his favour. It will be a difficult choice between Gill and Bumrah, given how fast Gill is improving and how well Bumrah appears to be leading, and it is a balance between short-term needs and long-term plans for the team.
