While the Indian Test captaincy debate has settled with Shubman Gill securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, was the 25-year-old the only choice for the national team's Test captaincy? Well, the latest Tweet by renowned journalist Vikrant Gupta has ignited a debate that Rishabh Pant was actually considered to succeed Rohit Shama in the red-ball format.
However, in an Instagram Post, Vikrant reveals that the southpaw wanted both Rohit & Virat Kohli in the Test team. If this is true, then one know clearly understands why the Test captaincy eventfully went to Gill, instead of Pant. For the unversed, before the IND vs ENG Test series, both Rohit & Kohli spoke to Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who had also told to former about him not continuing as Test skipper after India's 3-1 Test series defeat Down Under in 2024. Rohit had also dropped himself out of the team, owing to his dismal returns in the series.
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The veteran went on to average just 10 during the Test series against New Zealand & Australia, putting his place as well as the leader of the Test team in jeopardy. Speaking about Kohli, his form had also massively nosedived in the red-ball format, as his average dipped from mid-50s to low 46.
Will Rishabh Pant be considered as an ODI leader?
While the Test captaincy has been secured by Gill, Rishabh Pant can still get the ODI captaincy. However, the big question remains if the selection panel will consider him for the leadership role. Rumors are circulating that Rohit Sharma, as well as Virat Kohli, will be phased out of the 50-over format after the ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19. While there is no official confirmation about the iconic duo's phasing out, it is fair to say that selectors are looking to groom young players for the ODI World Cup 2027 event.
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With head coach Gautam Gambhir against split captaincy theory, at this moment it looks highly unlikely that Pant might get ODI captaincy. Considering the previous demands he had while BCCI handing Test captaincy, the southpaw getting a ODI leadership role looks highly improbable. Also, with Gill having impressed in his Test debut series as captain, the selection panel might give him a leadership role in ODIs as well.
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