Things have changed quite dramatically and drastically for Rohit Sharma in the last few months. Midway through 2024, he seemed to be on top of the world as he led India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title and ended India’s 11-year ICC title drought.
However, things seem to have been just downhill from then. India lost an ODI series against Sri Lanka (0-2) after 27 years. They tasted success against Bangladesh, winning the Test series 2-0. But post that, all hell broke loose. Rohit Sharma became the first Indian captain to be whitewashed in a Test series at home as New Zealand blanked India 3-0. It was India’s first Test series defeat at home since the start of 2013.
They even lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. Rohit’s captaincy in the longest format was constantly questioned. His form dipped significantly, especially in Test cricket. He made a mere 164 runs in 15 innings across 8 Tests since September 2024. He has gone past the 20-run mark only twice in this period. Thus, Rohit opted out from the fifth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG.
His future in Test cricket is already looking bleak and according to reports on Times of India, the BCCI have asked the current Test and ODI skipper to share his future plans after the end of the Champions Trophy 2025. The selectors want a smooth transition in the Test and ODI formats. With a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle starting in June later this year and the ODI World Cup a couple of years away, the team management wants to understand Rohit’s plans in order to plan better.
“The selectors and people in the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition,” a BCCI source was quoted saying to TOI.
Selectors willing to be patient with Virat Kohli
Alongside Rohit, Virat Kohli is another senior player who has been struggling for form. The Delhi-born cricketer has scored 382 runs at an average of 22.47 in his last 10 Tests and has just one hundred along with one fifty. In fact, his overall form across formats was poor in 2024, making just 655 runs while averaging 21.83.
However, there have been a few knocks where he has shown glimpses of returning to form. Thus, the BCCI and selectors are likely to be a little more patient with Kohli and he may get a slightly longer rope than Rohit.
“As for Virat Kohli, the selectors are willing to wait a bit more on his Test form, while his ODI prowess is not seen as a major problem,” the source further added. The tour of England where India play five Tests in June-July later this year may well decide Kohli’s future. Another poor outing could see him in the firing line as well.
Bumrah may not be next full-time Test captain; Gill, Pant and Jaiswal in contention
With Rohit unlikely to remain Test captain and around the Test team, India will be on the hunt for a new captain. Jasprit Bumrah is a clear choice but his fitness is a big cause of concern for the selectors. The ace India fast bowler did really well and led from the front in the two Tests he captained in Australia but broke down in the fifth Test at the SCG. Hence, that may go against Bumrah. TOI reported that the selectors may go in the direction of either Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant or even Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“Bumrah’s chances of a long Test series or completing a full season will always be in doubt. The selectors may want a more stable option. Gill has been seen as a captaincy prospect but his returns in Test cricket have been average. Rishabh Pant could also be a strong candidate and maybe someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal can be groomed for the role,” the report revealed.
