In the realm of Indian cricket, the team has witnessed separate captains for red ball (Tests) and white ball (ODIs and T20Is) formats, aiming to strike a balance and harness the strengths of different players. This strategy was evident when Virat Kohli took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2017, while Dhoni continued leading the limited-overs side. This approach aimed to provide stability and recognize the unique demands of each format.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when MS Dhoni abruptly retired from Test cricket, handing the leadership role to Virat Kohli assuming that the star cricketer will takeover the captaincy for all three formats after some time. Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved competitive performances and favorable rankings across formats, despite not clinching any ICC tournament victories.
After Kohli stepped down from captaincy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced challenges in finding the next suitable candidate. While Rohit Sharma is a commendable leader with IPL successes, leading the national side against formidable opponents presents a distinct challenge.
The post-Kohli era witnessed a revolving door of captains in a short span. Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah all took turns leading the team within a year. This lack of stability raises concerns for a team like India, which should ideally have a capable and consistent candidate. Perhaps, it is time for both the player and the board to set aside personal differences for the team’s benefit.
Rumors suggest that Sanju Samson might lead the white ball series against West Indies, while Rohit Sharma would take charge during the Test series. Alternatively, the selection committee may consider Hardik Pandya as a comfortable choice for leading the white ball format.
Amidst these discussions, it is worth noting that the selection committee itself is expected to undergo changes soon, with talks speculating that Virender Sehwag might become the next chief selector for the board.
The looming question remains: Will we witness two or even three different leaders across the three formats? Such a scenario is rare and raises concerns about the potential benefits or further division within Team India.
