Mohammed Kaif snubs Shubman Gill, names Rohit Sharma's successor to captain India in tests

Shubman Gill made 144 runs in the recently concluded IND vs NZ test series.

India’s test team is under heavy scrutiny after a humiliating home series defeat against New Zealand. India endured their first-ever whitewash in a home test series consisting of three or more games.

Rohit Sharma, who is in the twilight of his career at the age of 37, has struggled to make an impact in the longest format of the game in recent matches. Sharma has scored 588 test runs in 2024 at an ordinary average of 29. Against New Zealand, he managed only 91 runs in three tests.

Concerns regarding Rohit’s future in the test have been raised by fans and critics. Discussions about the potential successor for the Indian captaincy have also gained momentum.

While many expect Shubman Gill to be India’s future test captain, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested another contender. Kaif believes there is another standout performer who deserves to lead the test side in future after Rohit.

Kaif backs Rishabh Pant as Rohit Sharma’s successor

In a recent Instagram live session, Mohammad Kaif named Rishabh Pant as the right candidate to take over from Rohit Sharma as India’s next test captain.

Emphasizing Pant’s team-first approach and excellent batting ability, Kaif said, “From the current team only Rishabh Pant is in contention to be test captain. He’s worthy of it, whenever he’s played, he’s put the Indian team in front. Whichever number he comes to play [at], he’s ready to play a match-winning knock. He’s scored in all types of conditions, be it England, Australia, or South Africa; be it seaming to turning tracks. He’s a complete batter.”

Kaif’s praise for Pant has come in light of the southpaw’s recent performance against New Zealand. In the third test of the series, Pant was the only Indian batter who tackled the Kiwi spinners in the run chase. Although New Zealand sealed the victory by 25 runs, Kaif noted that Pant’s innings kept New Zealand on the edge till the end.

“When Rishabh Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend. He’s shown that already, his keeping has improved drastically. Till he was at the crease, New Zealand didn’t breathe easy. Hence, I believe from the current lot, if you’re looking for a future captain, Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in test cricket.” Kaif concluded.

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