Dilip Vengsarkar bats for Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin as stop-gap Test captain

Former Indian skipper Dilip Vensarkar wants either Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin to take the Test captaincy baton after Virat Kohli decided to relinquish his duties as the Test skipper.

Vengsarkar reckons either Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin, who both have all the experience under their belt, can be given Test captaincy while the next long-time leader can be groomed till then.

It has been reported that KL Rahul could be India’s new Test skipper while Rishabh Pant is also seen as one of the prospects to lead India. Vengsarkar reckons Pant needs to work on his shot selection as he can be a bit rash.

In fact, earlier Anil Kumble was appointed as the Test captain for a couple of years while MS Dhoni was groomed as a leader.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has fitness issues and he had missed the recently concluded Test series against South Africa due to a hamstring injury. However, Rohit has done well as a leader and he has also proved his mettle as an opening batter in all the conditions after scoring 368 runs in four Test matches against England in 2021.

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin also has all the experience under his belt but his place in the Test team is not guaranteed in overseas conditions. India has preferred Ravindra Jadeja in foreign conditions as he has better credentials as a batter.

“I would appoint Rohit or Ashwin as a stop-gap captain and groom the future captain. Right now, you need somebody with captaincy experience and an assured place in the Test side. Rohit and Ashwin have established themselves in Test cricket,” Vengsarkar told TOI.

“Pant, Rahul, or Shreyas (Iyer) need another year before they’ll be ready for the job. Pant has proved his mettle but needs to work on his shot selection. Till then, either of them can be asked to captain India in the white-ball format, and be the vice-captain in Tests. That ways, they’ll get to observe and learn how to lead the Indian team,” he added.

It will be interesting to note selectors call on India’s next Test captain. Kohli did a fine job as a leader and took Indian cricket to new heights and the new leader will have his work cut out to follow in the same footsteps.

India will now take on South Africa in three-match ODI series.