India’s Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma had an in-depth discussion with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) top officials and chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a review meeting held on Saturday. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also attended the meeting, where the BCCI sought insights from the team management regarding India’s recent performances, including the 1-3 Border-Gavaskar series defeat to Australia and the 0-3 home series loss against New Zealand.
In the meeting, it was reported that Rohit shared his intention to continue as captain for a few more months.
Concerns about Rohit’s long-term future as a Test captain have grown, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his batting form came under scrutiny. Rohit also opted to sit out the final Test in Sydney, which India lost.
During the discussions with BCCI, Rohit reportedly expressed his willingness to lead the team for a limited period, asking the board to start identifying a new captain.
As per a report in Dainik Jagran, Jasprit Bumrah’s name was suggested as a potential successor, but concerns were raised about his suitability for leading the team in a 5-match Test series. The doubts stem from Bumrah’s fitness issues. He played in all five Tests during India’s tour of Australia, captaining the side in two matches. However, he suffered a back injury in the final Test at Sydney and was unable to bowl in the second innings.
Given Bumrah’s recurring fitness concerns, the BCCI officials are reportedly hesitant about considering him as a long-term captain.
Rohit has expressed his desire to remain India’s captain for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Afterward, players will join their Indian Premier League (IPL) teams. Following the T20 league, India is set to host England for a 5-match Test series. Whether Rohit will continue as the Test captain for that series remains unclear.
The BCCI is expected to make a decision regarding India’s long-term captaincy during this period.
