Former India coach Ravi Shastri is opposed to selecting a vice-captain in a home series because it complicates selecting the best XI when the deputy team leader is out of form. Shastri also suggested that Shubman Gill should replace KL Rahul in the final two Border Gavaskar Trophy Tests against Australia.
“I always had the belief (to) never appoint a vice-captain for India. I would rather go with by best XI, and if captain has to leave the field, you’d zero in on a player that can take over at the time, simply because you don’t need to create complications.” Rahul, who was the designated vice-captain for the first two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, has retained his place for the final two games but is no longer Rohit Sharma’s deputy.
“If vice-captain doesn’t perform, someone can take his place; at least the tag is not there. I’m being blunt and brutal, I never like vice-captain in home condition. Overseas, it’s different.
In his last seven innings, KL has scored 22, 23, 10, 2, 20, 17, and 1. Despite his stellar run across formats, Rahul is under increasing pressure with the young Gill waiting for his chance.
“Here, you want prime form, you want someone like Gill, who’s red hot. He will challenge. He has to bang that door down and get into the side. Now, he’s not the vice-captain, it has to be team management’s decision,” said Shastri.
