The Indian selectors have the tough task of naming the next Indian captain and the Test squad for the five-match series against England starting on June 20. The BCCI is expected to announce the squad soon.
Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have increased problems for the BCCI, especially in Test cricket. None of the players are experienced enough to replace the senior duo in the lineup, with Test captaincy a matter of concern.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the frontrunners to be named as captain after Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly denied becoming the Test captain. The Indian cricket fraternity has a divided opinion on this matter. Some favor Pant over Gill, while a few others favor Bumrah.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami dismisses retirement rumor ahead of England Test squad selection
Rohit Sharma Wanted To Play England Series - Reports
Meanwhile, as per reports in Sky Sports, the BCCI is expected to name India's Test squad and their new captain later this week. After having talks with Gill and Pant separately, the management is still undecided over choosing between the two of them.
In a massive revelation made by Sky Sports, the source close to the BCCI said that Rohit Sharma wanted to play the England series and wanted to retire midway through the series, like MS Dhoni did against Australia back in 2014.
However, the board opposed the idea, saying that the selectors wanted consistency during the series. They offered him to play as a player, but Rohit denied and eventually retired from the format.
India A To Play Two Four-Day Games Against England
Rohit announced his Test retirement on May 7. Virat Kohli followed suit and announced his Test retirement on May 12. The BCCI, meanwhile, announced the India A side led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, who will play two warm-up matches against England before the start of the Test series.
Given that Indian cricket is in a transitional phase in Test cricket, it will be interesting to see who replaces Rohit as the next India captain in the format.
