Following India’s series loss to New Zealand, speculation has intensified around Rohit Sharma’s future in the team as both an opener and captain. The 37-year-old Indian skipper struggled in the recent matches, scoring only 91 runs across six innings. His performance, combined with concerns over his age and fitness, has led to a growing discussion within the BCCI about exploring potential successors who can fulfill both opening and captaincy roles.
The next series, against Australia, is set to start on November 22, and multiple changes in the squad are anticipated. This includes the possible inclusion of younger, long-term players like KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, both of whom have been sent to Australia early to acclimate to the pitch conditions. Notably, despite their selection in India’s main squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, these players were included in the India A team to gain match experience against Australia A in unofficial test games.
K L Rahul is going to be the new captain of the Indian cricket team?
The decision to prioritize Rahul and Jurel’s preparation raises questions about the team management’s plans for the future. If merely adapting to Australian pitches was the goal, younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan could have also been part of the India A lineup. Instead, sources indicate that KL Rahul, who has been backed by coach Rahul Dravid, may be groomed to take on more responsibilities, potentially even as a wicketkeeper-batsman, to create a versatile playing eleven.
The BCCI’s actions have fueled discussions about whether Rohit Sharma’s tenure as captain may be nearing its end. With a high-stakes series against Australia looming, and India’s World Cup plans on the horizon, many wonder if the team management is laying the groundwork for a transition in leadership.