India skipper Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney has sparked speculation about his future in Test cricket. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah was appointed as the stand-in captain for the final match of the five-Test series. Bumrah had already showcased his leadership skills earlier in the series, leading India to a commanding 10-wicket victory in the opening Test in Perth. However, Rohit’s form with the bat during the series has been underwhelming, with the skipper managing just 31 runs across five innings.

Amid uncertainties surrounding Rohit’s future in the longest format, reports suggest that his captaincy could also be in question for the upcoming Champions Trophy. According to sources cited by MyKhel, Hardik Pandya has emerged as the frontrunner to captain India in the ICC event, slated to begin on February 19. The team management is reportedly leaning towards Hardik due to his ability to thrive under pressure and his extensive experience as an all-rounder and leader.

A source informed MyKhel that “Hardik excels in high-pressure scenarios, and his well-rounded skills, along with his leadership experience, make him a compelling choice to lead in a prestigious tournament like the Champions Trophy.”

Following Rohit’s retirement from T20Is after India’s triumphant World Cup campaign in June 2024, the management is reportedly looking to reduce his workload further. With this in mind, Hardik is seen as the most viable option for leading India in ODIs, especially given the challenges posed by other candidates. T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has not impressed in the ODI format, while young batter Shubman Gill is still viewed as needing more time to develop as a leader.

Gill needs more development before he can become a leader, and SKY hasn’t played well enough in ODIs. As a result, Hardik is the most well-rounded option to captain the team in Rohit’s absence,” the source continued.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will have a hybrid hosting structure starting on February 19. Pakistan, the co-hosts, will play New Zealand in Karachi in the first game. India’s opening match versus Bangladesh is set for February 20 in Dubai.

Topics #Australia #Bat Ball #Captaincy #Champions Trophy #Cricket #Hardik Pandya #India #India's Champions Trophy #news #Player #Test