Kris Srikkanth backs KL Rahul for Test captaincy, says ‘Shubman Gill is not even a certainty in India XI’

New Delhi: Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement on May 7, speculation surrounding India’s next Test captain has focused less on the candidates themselves and more on the timing of the announcement. While Jasprit Bumrah, India’s vice-captain and leader of their only victory in the recent Australia series, was considered a frontrunner by many, reports suggest the BCCI has selected Shubman Gill. This decision has prompted former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth to propose an alternative candidate, suggesting this individual could also replace Virat Kohli at the number four batting position.

Jasprit Bumrah’s recent back problems hampered his performance. A back spasm sustained during the Australia series in early January caused him to miss the Champions Trophy and the beginning of IPL 2025, marking his second significant injury absence due to back issues.

While Shubman Gill’s youth, successful white-ball performances, and IPL captaincy experience suggest he’s a potential future Test captain, former cricketer Kris Srikkanth disagrees. Srikkanth questions Gill’s guaranteed place in the Test team, advocating instead for KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, or Rishabh Pant to lead the team in the upcoming England tour.

“He is not even a certainty in Test cricket. The captaincy should be given to Jasprit Bumrah, and if he is not fit or available for any match, then KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant should lead India, he told the Times of India.

Srikkanth’s comments appear to stem from Shubman Gill’s recent poor performance in Australia, highlighting his struggles in overseas conditions. Gill’s average in 12 away innings is a mere 19, with no fifty. While his average as an opener abroad is higher, at 31.54, his experience with the Duke ball in England was also underwhelming, yielding only 88 runs across six innings.

India’s selectors face the significant challenge of identifying a suitable replacement for Virat Kohli at the number four batting position in Test cricket, a role he consistently filled for twelve years. Following Kohli’s retirement, former cricketer Kris Srikkanth has suggested KL Rahul as a potential candidate for the upcoming England series.

“Coming to the question about India’s next No. 4 in Test cricket, for me, 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 said.

Despite Rahul’s success opening the batting in Australia and England, former South African cricketer Mark Boucher voiced his support for Rahul’s captaincy.

“KL Rahul is one of the guys who might not be the youngster anymore, but he could fulfill the role. Technically, he’s good. I think he can bat both ways, which I think a No. 4 has to be able to do. He needs to have a strong technique in case you lose one or two quick wickets. Then he needs to be able to step on the gas with regard to the run rate, which I think he can do as well,” he told TOI.

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