As Rohit Sharma nears the end of his captaincy tenure, reports suggest India might have different leaders for Tests and white-ball formats. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Shubman Gill emerge as frontrunners.
March 9, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a split captaincy approach following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with separate leaders for Test and white-ball cricket. A decision on this restructuring is expected in the coming months, especially as Rohit Sharma’s captaincy future remains uncertain.
With Rohit already retired from T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav has been leading India in the shortest format, while Axar Patel serves as his deputy. However, India’s leadership dynamics in ODIs and Tests could undergo a transformation soon.
Who Will Lead India Next?
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the BCCI prefers two different captains—one for Test cricket and another for ODIs and T20Is.
👉 Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly the top contender for Test captaincy, provided he maintains his fitness.
👉 Hardik Pandya or Shubman Gill could take over as the white-ball captain, especially if Rohit continues only as a player.
“The next few months will be crucial in determining India’s leadership structure,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying in the report.
Most international teams already have different captains across formats. If India follows suit, it would align with a growing global trend in cricket leadership.
Rohit’s Historic Captaincy & Champions Trophy Final Showdown
Rohit Sharma has already cemented his legacy as the first captain ever to lead India to four ICC finals. On Sunday, March 9, he will lead India in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai—a match that could define his future in ODI cricket.
Ravi Shastri’s Warning for India
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has cautioned against underestimating New Zealand, a team that has defeated India in ICC knockouts thrice before.
“If there’s one team that can beat India, it’s New Zealand. So India start as favorites, but only just,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.
Shastri named Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra as the key players who could decide the outcome of the final.
“Kohli and Williamson are match-winners. If they get past 10-15 runs, they become twice as dangerous. Rachin Ravindra is also a fantastic young player,” he added.
What’s Next?
The Champions Trophy final could be Rohit Sharma’s last match as ODI captain. If India wins, he may step down while continuing as a player. If he decides to retire, BCCI will move quickly to appoint separate captains for Tests and white-ball formats.
With Indian cricket at a turning point, the next few months will shape the team’s future leadership. Stay tuned for official announcements from the BCCI!
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