Rohit Sharma's position as captain of the Indian Test team
is not considered to be shaken up as of now in the eyes of the management. The
veteran opening batter is fully expected to lead the side in the upcoming
two-match Test series against the West Indies away from home.
With Rohit having
recently turned 36 years old, there are doubts over whether he will be able to
lead India over the course of the entire third World Test Championship (WTC)
cycle. Team India have a buffer period in red-ball cricket, as their next
assignment after the West Indies series takes place in December in the form of
a tour of South Africa.
According to
reports, the selectors will keep a keen eye on Rohit's batting performances in
the Caribbean and reach a decision over leadership before the tour of South
Africa.
"There are
baseless rumours about Rohit being removed from captaincy. However, whether he
will continue as captain for the entire two-year World Test Championship (WTC)
cycle is a significant question, considering he will be nearly 38 by the end of
the third edition in 2025."
The source added:
"At present, I
believe that Shiv Sunder Das and his colleagues will assess Rohit's batting
form after the two Tests before taking any decision."
The Indian Test
team is currently in a highly vulnerable state following a tame defeat at the
hands of Australia at the World Test Championship final at The Oval.
Injuries, prolonged poor form, and questionable decision-making have all
blended together right before a major transitional period.
Decision over Rohit Sharma's captaincy is set to be made
after the selection committee is complete
Apart from the team's questionable framework, the management
is also in the reworks after quite a turbulent period.
The selection panel is in need of yet another shake-up
following Chetan Sharma's fateful reappointment as chairman and his eventual
resignation.
Regarding Rohit Sharma's fate as captain, the source
added:
"After the West Indies tour, we have no Test matches
until the end of December when the team travels to South Africa. This provides
enough time for the selectors to deliberate and make a decision. By then, the
fifth selector (new chairman) will have joined the panel, and a decision can be
made."
The passing of the torch proves to be crucial as there is a
shortage of leadership candidates. Virat Kohli is unlikely to lead
the national team again and is close to Rohit's age.
Cheteshwar Pujara is the current Test vice-captain
after KL Rahul failed to impress in the opportunities he availed as captain of
the team. Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah also have marginal leadership experience.