3 captaincy options for India if Rohit Sharma misses first test vs Australia in Perth

The Rohit Sharma-led India recently won the test series against Bangladesh.

India test captain Rohit Sharma could miss the opening test of the five-match test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The first test against Australia will be played from November 22 in Perth.

It has been reported that the 37-year-old Rohit could miss the Perth test due to personal reasons.

If Rohit misses out on the first test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, let’s take a look at three potential captaincy options for the Indian cricket team.

Three captaincy options for India if Rohit Sharma misses first test vs Australia:

1. Jasprit Bumrah

Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah has led India once in test cricket – in the Birmingham test against England in 2022 when Rohit was forced to sit out after he contracted the Covid-19 virus. He became the first fast bowler to captain India since Kapil Dev in 1987.

Bumrah has been India’s vice-captain in multiple test series, including the one earlier this year against England at home.

So if Rohit is unavailable for the Perth test, Bumrah is the frontrunner to lead India.

2. KL Rahul

Senior cricketer KL Rahul has captained India in three test matches so far – two in Bangladesh and one in South Africa. India won the two tests in Bangladesh under Rahul but lost in Johannesburg. Rahul has also captained India in other two formats as well.

Given his experience, Rahul could become a standby captain for India if Rohit misses out on the Perth Test against Australia, provided Rahul is assured of a place in the XI.

3. Shubman Gill

Gill has never held any leadership role in test cricket, but the Indian selectors have considered him as one of the potential future options.

In July, Gill led India in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which the Men in Blue won 4-1. Gill was also appointed as vice-captain for the Sri Lanka white-ball tour.

Recently, Gill captained India A in the Duleep Trophy 2024. Gill, who has cemented his spot in the test line-up, could also be considered to lead India in Perth if Rohit misses out.

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