Shubman Gill – The BCCI’s Preferred Long-Term Option

Shubman Gill is reportedly BCCI’s first-choice candidate for a long-term leadership role. Young, talented, and calm under pressure, Gill represents the next generation of Indian cricket.

Pros:

• Considered the face of India’s future.

• Can grow into the role over the next WTC cycle.

Cons:

• Inconsistent place in the playing XI.

• Lack of leadership experience in international cricket.

If given the captaincy, KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant could serve as vice-captain to support his transition.

Rishabh Pant – The X-Factor Leader?

Despite injury setbacks and inconsistent form, Rishabh Pant remains one of India’s biggest match-winners in Test cricket. His fearless batting and natural instincts have won crucial matches overseas.

Pros:

• Proven match-winner.

• Automatic selection when fit.

• Experience as India’s vice-captain and franchise captain.

Cons:

• Questions about maturity and temperament.

• Recent captaincy struggles with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

If BCCI bets on Pant, Shubman Gill might be appointed vice-captain.

Jasprit Bumrah – The Natural Choice, But Is He Ready?

Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s go-to pacer and briefly captained the Test team during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Rohit and Kohli out, he appeared to be the obvious successor.

However, workload management is a major concern. Test cricket demands long spells—15-20 overs a day—which could impact Bumrah’s fitness, especially after recovering from injury.

Pros:

• Automatic pick in the playing XI.

• Tactical and composed under pressure.

• Backed by many former cricketers.

Cons:

• Risk of injury and burnout.

• Unconfirmed reports claim he’s opted out of captaincy considerations.

KL Rahul – Reliable, Experienced, But Hesitant?

KL Rahul has captained India in various formats and brings stability. However, his refusal to lead an IPL franchise recently raises doubts about his interest in a full-time leadership role.

Pros:

• Calm, technically sound, experienced.

• Known for his adaptability and leadership presence.

Cons:

• Mixed signals about captaincy intent.

• Not a guaranteed starter in all formats.

If he’s picked, Shubman Gill could again be the vice-captain.

Ravindra Jadeja – The Wildcard Option

Veteran Ravindra Jadeja is among the few players guaranteed a spot in every Test. His all-round ability and seniority make him a pragmatic short-term captain.

Pros:

• Senior-most all-rounder with vast experience.

• Tactical and sharp on the field.

Cons:

• Previous IPL captaincy stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was unsuccessful.

• Likely only a short-term solution.

Conclusion: Who Should Lead India’s Test Team?

While Jasprit Bumrah is the most logical choice on paper, his fitness and availability pose challenges. That narrows the race to Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant—two young stars who could lead India into the next era, much like Graeme Smith once did for South Africa.

BCCI may adopt a hybrid model—appointing Bumrah or Jadeja as a transitional captain while grooming Gill for long-term leadership.

🚨 Final Prediction:
If Bumrah declines, Shubman Gill is the most likely to be named India’s next Test captain—with Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul as vice-captain.