3 players who can replace Rohit Sharma as Test captain after BGT 2024-25 ft. Jasprit Bumrah

Rohit Sharma, India's official captain in Tests and ODIs, decided to step down for the fifth and final Test of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. The veteran Indian batter's decision raised speculations that we might have seen the end of Rohit in the red-ball format.

However, Rohit, in a candid interview, brushed aside those speculations and said that the decision was only for the final Test as he wasn't getting runs and the team needed to field more in-form players.

“This decision is not a retirement decision nor am I going to take myself out of the game. I sat out of this match because I'm not scoring runs. There is no guarantee that runs will not come two or five months down the line,” Rohit told Star Sports during the second day’s play in the Sydney Test.

Despite Rohit clarifying that retirement is not on his mind, the Indian selection committee might take the onus into their own hands and take some harsh calls before the tour of England starting in June. With Rohit struggling for runs in the last six months in Tests, the selectors might be forced to name a new captain ahead of the England tour.

With that, let us have a look at three players who can replace Rohit Sharma as the Indian Test captain after BGT 2024-25:

# 3. KL Rahul

KL Rahul was one of the finest Indian batters during the first three Tests of the BGT. Source: Getty

One of the contenders to take up the Test captaincy role is stylish right-handed batter KL Rahul. While his lack of consistency has cost him a place in the playing XI in the past, given his experience of playing in different conditions, the selectors could be tempted to make him the next red-ball captain going forward.

Despite the exploits of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul looked the most assured batter for India in the first three Tests. He left the ball brilliantly and never shied away from unleashing a wide range of cuts, flicks, and drives when he was set.

Although he couldn't quite carry his golden form into the last two games, it seems he has done enough to guarantee himself a spot in the Indian playing XI. Rahul has scored centuries in all conditions and England is no different. It will be interesting to see whether Rahul gets the nod for the tour of England.

# 2. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was worked out by the Australian bowlers during the BGT. Source: Getty

Arguably the most exciting cricketer in Test cricket at the moment, Rishabh Pant could emerge as a strong contender to captain the Indian red ball side if the Indian selection committee is looking for a long-term appointment.

Pant has been blamed in the past for getting out playing unorthodox shots, but there is no denying the fact that he is one of the best batters for India in this format.

Pant didn't have a great series in Australia. However, he showed his prowess with a blistering knock of 61 off just 33 deliveries in the second innings of the Sydney Test. He has led India in the T20 format and the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Pant is expected to take the captaincy duties of Lucknow Supergiants in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

The swashbuckling batter is one of the very few certainties in the Indian Test XI so captaining the team in Tests could augur well for him and make him take the extra responsibility which has been lacking in his game.

# 1. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah finished the BGT with 32 wickets in five Tests. Source: Getty

Arguably the greatest all-format bowler to have graced the game, Jasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner to take over the Test captaincy from Rohit Sharma if the selectors decide to look for new options ahead of the England tour.

The only question surrounding Bumrah is whether his fitness will allow him to play most of India's Test matches in the calendar year. Bumrah led India in the opening Test of BGT in Perth and led from the front.

He finished the five-match series with 32 wickets to his name and was also adjudged the Player of the Series. He has a sharp cricketing brain and could be a sensible option for the captaincy.