Published By: Sanchari Das

Who’s Next in Line? Candidates to Lead India After Rohit Sharma

India’s cricketing future hangs in the balance as the search for the next captain begins—meet the frontrunners

India is a cricket-obsessed nation with immense pressure to deliver results. Winning brings accolades, while losses often trigger harsh criticism. For an Indian cricketer, especially the captain, the role is no walk in the park. With Rohit Sharma’s position as captain under scrutiny after back-to-back disappointing performances, India’s leadership is poised for a transition. Let’s explore the potential candidates to step up as India’s next skipper.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has already shown glimpses of leadership potential. The right-handed batter has captained India in T20Is and was vice-captain during the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2024. He also leads the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, adding valuable experience to his portfolio.

At just 25 years old, Gill has cemented his spot across formats and boasts an impressive ODI record. His ability to perform consistently at the international level and his IPL captaincy experience make him a prime contender. If he delivers as a leader in the IPL, his case for India’s captaincy will grow stronger.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy credentials are well-documented. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2025 and previously guided Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020. Iyer has a knack for inspiring his teammates and extracting their best performances.

Domestically, he has captained Mumbai and other sides with aplomb. Set to lead Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Iyer’s leadership prowess is hard to ignore. A dependable ODI batter, he played a crucial role in India’s journey to the 2023 World Cup final. His proven track record makes him a strong candidate for India’s leadership in the shorter formats.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s leadership journey has been impressive. Under his captaincy, India won 10 out of 16 T20Is and two of three ODIs. In the IPL, he led Gujarat Titans to a title in his debut season and to the finals in 2023. Although his stint with Mumbai Indians in 2024 wasn’t as successful, his leadership skills remain commendable.

Fitness has been a concern, but Pandya’s experience in high-pressure scenarios, including captaining India to a T20 World Cup title in 2024, speaks volumes. If he stays fit, he could be a strong contender to lead India in white-ball formats.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy debut came during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, where he led India to a memorable win in Perth. He has captained India in three Tests, winning one. However, the demands of being a fast bowler and his injury history could make it challenging for him to take on the role full-time.

Despite these challenges, Bumrah’s cricketing acumen and ability to inspire confidence in his teammates make him a potential leader. If managed carefully, he could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s Test future.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant’s fearless batting and match-winning abilities have earned him a permanent spot in India’s Test team. He has captained Delhi Capitals in the IPL and led India in five T20Is in 2022, winning two. However, if burdened with full-time captaincy, his aggressive playing style might be affected.

The selectors may prefer to keep him free from additional responsibilities, allowing him to focus on his game. Yet, Pant’s instincts and leadership experience make him a worthy consideration for future captaincy.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul’s calm demeanour under pressure has been his standout trait. He has captained India in three Tests, winning two, and boasts an 8-4 record in ODIs. In T20Is, he has a 100% win record as captain. Despite a dip in form, his batting performances in Australia have reignited his case for a leadership role.

Rahul’s ability to stay composed and make strategic decisions on the field makes him a reliable option. He could be a strong contender to lead India shortly if he maintains his form.