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Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif opined that the baton should be passed to wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once Rohit steps down.
Indian men’s Test cricket team captain Rohit Sharma (AP)
Team India’s first Test series whitewash in 24 years at home has led to unending debates and discussions, putting Rohit Sharma’s form and captaincy future under the scanner. Tom Latham’s New Zealand scripted history with a 3-0 win on Indian soil which resulted in a slump in India’s position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. India entered the series as table toppers but slipped to second after the humiliating loss. On the other hand, many questions have been raised over Rohit’s place in the team and his leadership as well.
While the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is believed to be a make-or-break series for Rohit, experts have also begun naming his successor in the Test format. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif opined that the baton should be passed to wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once Rohit steps down.
“From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is in contention to be Test captain. He’s worthy of it; whenever he’s played, he’s put the Indian team in front. Whichever number he comes to play, he’s ready to play a match-winning knock. He’s scored in all types of conditions, be it England, Australia, or South Africa. Be it seaming or turning tracks, he’s a complete batter,” said Kaif on his Instagram Live.
The cricketer-turned-commentator further highlighted Pant’s impactful batting against New Zealand in Mumbai when India were tasked to chase 147. The Kiwis felt the pressure until Pant was in the middle. Kaif also lauded the way the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has improved himself.
“When Rishabh Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend. He’s shown that already, his keeping has improved drastically. Till he was at the crease, New Zealand didn’t breathe easily. Hence, I believe from the current lot, if you’re looking for a future captain, Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma’s successor, especially in Test cricket,” he added.
