Indian cricket is abuzz with debates surrounding the leadership succession plan for the national team. With Rohit Sharma‘s tenure as captain under scrutiny following a 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the spotlight has shifted to finding a suitable successor. Now reports from Dainik Jagran suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is evaluating potential candidates to take over the reins post the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, the selection process has led to differences between head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar.
Captaincy transition set for post-Champions Trophy 2025 decision
Reports further stated that despite criticism of his captaincy after the BGT loss, Rohit is set to lead India in both Test and ODI formats until the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to sources, the 37-year-old has communicated his intention to remain captain until the BCCI finalizes his successor. The Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, is seen as a pivotal event before a leadership transition is considered.
Reports also indicated that pacer Jasprit Bumrah is a strong contender to take over the captaincy after Rohit. Bumrah, who has previously led the team in two Test matches during the BGT series against Australia, has impressed the board with his leadership skills. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen make him a front-runner for the role, especially given his experience in high-pressure situations.
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Conflict of vision: Gautam Gambhir vs Ajit Agarkar on India’s future leadership
The debate extends beyond the captaincy to the role of vice-captain. Agarkar, head of the selection committee, is reportedly in favour of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for the position. Pant’s prior experience leading Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the national team during a T20I series against South Africa in 2022 adds weight to Agarkar’s argument.
However, head coach Gambhir has a different perspective. He advocated for dynamic opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to be groomed for leadership. Jaiswal’s exceptional performances in the 2024-25 BGT, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer for India, have bolstered his case as a promising future leader. Gambhir’s support for Jaiswal stems from the belief that his aggressive style and hunger for success could bring a fresh dimension to Indian cricket’s leadership.
