Kris Srikkanth introduced a new contender in the race for India’s Test captaincy and also backed the same player to take over Virat Kohli’s No. 4 spot in the batting order.
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Debate Over India’s Next Test Captain Heats Up After Rohit Sharma’s Retirement
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement on May 7, the spotlight has firmly shifted to India’s next Test captain. While the general expectation has been centered around when the announcement would come rather than who it would be, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly made its decision — naming Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor. This choice comes despite widespread support for Jasprit Bumrah, who had previously led India to a rare win in Australia and served as vice-captain in Tests.
However, Gill’s selection hasn’t gone unchallenged. Former India captain Kris Srikkanth raised doubts over the 25-year-old’s suitability, claiming Gill isn’t even a guaranteed member of the playing XI. Instead, Srikkanth threw his weight behind KL Rahul as the preferred choice, even suggesting that Bumrah or Rishabh Pant could step in if needed.
Bumrah’s own chances may have taken a hit due to recurring back injuries, including recent spasms during the Australia series in January that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy and part of IPL 2025. This marks the second major setback related to his back.
Gill, on the other hand, has age and leadership experience in white-ball cricket and the IPL — having captained Gujarat Titans — on his side. His first Test as captain is expected to come during the England tour in June. Still, Srikkanth cited Gill’s overseas record, particularly his poor run in Australia and struggles with the Dukes ball in England, as a concern. Averaging just 19 in 12 away innings without a single half-century, and only marginally better (31.54) as an opener abroad, Gill’s form has prompted serious scrutiny of his elevation to leadership
KL Rahul as India’s No. 4?
With Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, India faces a significant challenge in filling the No. 4 spot — a position that was never in question during Kohli’s 12-year dominance in the role. The selectors and team management now face the task of finding a dependable replacement, and former cricketers Kris Srikkanth and Mark Boucher believe KL Rahul is the ideal candidate.
Srikkanth firmly endorsed Rahul for the crucial middle-order role in the upcoming England series, emphasizing the need for stability. “KL Rahul should be given that position. He can be India’s lynchpin going forward in Test cricket. He has got the right technique, and the management should give him that fixed role,” he told Times of India.
Mark Boucher, the former South African wicketkeeper-batter, echoed Srikkanth’s views. Though Rahul has found success as an opener — including during the recent Australia tour and his previous England visit — Boucher believes his versatility makes him a strong fit for No. 4. “Technically, he’s good. A No. 4 must be capable of absorbing pressure early and accelerating later — and KL can do both. He might not be a youngster anymore, but he’s equipped for that role,” Boucher said.
Rahul’s experience, technique, and adaptability may provide the steadiness India needs at No. 4 as they enter a new era without Kohli in the red-ball format.