Cricket

Team India's dismal performance in the Test series against New Zealand has sparked a debate about Rohit Sharma's future as captain. With the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming, former India batter Mohammad Kaif has thrown his support behind Rishabh Pant as the ideal successor to Rohit in the longest format.Kaif believes that Pant possesses the qualities necessary to lead India in Test cricket. He highlighted Pant's impressive batting record, his ability to perform in all conditions, and his impact on the team's performance."From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is in contention to be Test captain," Kaif said. "He's worthy of it. Whenever he's played, he's put the Indian team in front. He's ready to play a match-winning knock no matter what number he comes in to bat."Kaif pointed to Pant's performance in the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai as evidence of his leadership potential. "Till he was at the crease, New Zealand didn't breathe easy," Kaif said. "He's shown that already, his keeping has improved drastically."Kaif believes that Pant's experience and maturity have made him the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy from Rohit. "When Rishabh Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend," Kaif said. "He deserves to be Rohit Sharma's successor especially in Test cricket."While Jasprit Bumrah is the designated vice-captain in India's Test side, Kaif's endorsement of Pant as the future captain is a significant development. It remains to be seen whether the selectors will agree with Kaif's assessment, but Pant's performances in recent years have certainly strengthened his case for the captaincy.

Team India's dismal performance in the Test series against New Zealand has sparked a debate about Rohit Sharma's future as captain. With the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming, former India batter Mohammad Kaif has thrown his support behind Rishabh Pant as the ideal successor to Rohit in the longest format.Kaif believes Pant possesses the qualities necessary to lead the team, citing his match-winning performances and ability to perform in all conditions. He highlighted Pant's impact in the third Test against New Zealand, where he kept the Kiwis on edge throughout his innings."From the current team, only Rishabh Pant is in contention to be Test captain. He's worthy of it, whenever he's played, he's put the Indian team in front," Kaif said. "He's scored in all types of conditions, be it England, Australia, or South Africa. Be it seaming to turning tracks, he's a complete batter."Kaif also praised Pant's remarkable improvement in recent years, particularly in his wicket-keeping skills. He believes that Pant has the potential to become a legend of the game."When Rishabh Pant will be playing his last Test match, he will retire as a legend. He's shown that already, his keeping has improved drastically," Kaif added. "Hence, I believe from the current lot, if you're looking for a future captain, Rishabh Pant deserves to be Rohit Sharma's successor, especially in Test cricket."While Pant has the credentials to lead the team, Jasprit Bumrah remains the frontrunner for the Test captaincy, according to the BCCI selection committee. However, Kaif's endorsement of Pant adds another dimension to the discussion and highlights the growing belief in the wicket-keeper batter's leadership abilities.

Tom Latham's maiden Test captaincy assignment was a daunting one: leading New Zealand on a tour of India, a formidable opponent with an unblemished home record since 2012. The Kiwis had only managed two Test victories in India since their first match in 1955, and even the legendary Stephen Fleming couldn't secure a win on Indian soil.Despite the odds stacked against them, Latham approached the challenge with a calm and methodical style. His level-headed demeanor maintained team morale, especially in tense situations. In the first Test at Bengaluru, Latham's decision to bowl first proved advantageous as the Kiwis bundled out India for their lowest-ever Test total at home - 46.In the second Test on a turning track in Pune, Mitchell Santner's 13 wickets in the match played a crucial role. However, Latham's 86 in the second innings was equally significant, setting India a daunting target of 359 runs. The hosts fell short, handing New Zealand a historic 113-run victory and their first-ever Test series triumph on Indian soil.Latham's experience as an opening batsman and seasoned Test player provided him with a deep understanding of New Zealand's strengths and weaknesses. He employed a balanced strategy, rotating bowlers effectively and adjusting fields to counter India's batting style. His approach emphasized resilience and discipline, encouraging his team to grind out runs and bowl consistently.Latham's trust in younger players like Daryl Mitchell and Will Young paid dividends, adding depth and adaptability to the New Zealand team. While his captaincy style may not have been as aggressive as some, his steady and balanced approach aligned well with the team's ethos.Despite the absence of batting mainstay Kane Williamson due to injury, Latham led New Zealand to a historic victory in India. His leadership provided stability and confidence, ensuring the Kiwis made history. Tom Latham's maiden Test captaincy assignment will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the finest in New Zealand cricket history.

Bangladesh's Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to relinquish his leadership role after the ongoing home series against South Africa. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had appointed Shanto as captain across all formats in February 2023, with the intention of him leading the team in the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, Shanto has informed the board of his decision to step down and is awaiting approval from BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon."Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series," a top BCB official told Cricbuzz.Shanto confirmed his decision, stating, "Let's see what happens (as far as leading Bangladesh is concerned) because I am still waiting to hear it from the president (BCB)."A senior BCB director is reportedly attempting to persuade Shanto to reconsider, but a reversal appears unlikely. Shanto had initially planned to step down as T20 captain after the 2024 T20 World Cup but later decided to quit as captain across all formats.Shanto's leadership has come under scrutiny due to a prolonged period of poor results. If he ultimately declines to continue as captain, the BCB may consider appointing Mehidy Hasan as captain for Tests and ODIs, with Towhid Hridoy likely to lead in T20s.During his tenure, Shanto led Bangladesh in nine Tests, winning three and losing six, including a historic series win over Pakistan. In ODIs, he captained in nine matches with three wins and six losses. In T20Is, he led the team in 24 games, securing 10 victories.

Virat Kohli's tenure as Test captain marked a shift in Indian cricket, with "intent" becoming the driving force. The team's potent pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami, became a formidable weapon.When Rohit Sharma took over the reins, he brought a subtle but significant change. "For me, aggression is all about your actions, not the reactions," he emphasized. Rohit's approach is characterized by a relentless pursuit of victory, coupled with a clear communication of his gameplan to his teammates.Rohit's leadership style was evident in India's recent Test victory over Bangladesh in Kanpur. The team's ability to push the game forward at all times, even against the clock, showcased his influence. His informal and colloquial language creates a sense of camaraderie on the field, fostering a "big brother" vibe.Despite his reputation as the "Hitman" of Indian cricket, Rohit is far from being a larger-than-life superstar. His leadership extends beyond his own performances. In the absence of key players during the Gabba heist in 2021 and the five-Test series against England earlier this year, Rohit handed Test caps to four players who responded with exceptional performances.Rohit's ability to inspire his team is crucial to India's recent dominance in limited-overs cricket. His belief in uninhibited cricket has been a cornerstone of their success in the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup.Rohit's leadership style is characterized by a calm and calculated approach. "When you are playing at such a high level, you have to be calm to think wisely," he stated. "I use my experience and knowledge to trust myself."As Rohit approaches the twilight of his career, he remains focused on leading India to further glory. His unwavering determination and ability to inspire his teammates will undoubtedly guide them towards another exciting dash to the finish line.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised concerns about Ollie Pope's suitability as the Test captain, despite his recent victory over Sri Lanka. Vaughan believes Pope lacks the confidence and experience necessary for the role, citing his poor batting form and excessive use of unsuccessful reviews.Pope's leadership has been under scrutiny after England's 190-run victory at Lord's, where he scored only 1 and 17. His fidgety manner at the crease and questionable field placements have also raised eyebrows. Vaughan argues that Pope is better suited as a vice-captain, providing tactical advice and support to Ben Stokes."Ollie Pope is the ideal vice-captain for England," Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "He is a very good guy, trains well, and is a real team man. But he is better kept in that role than elevated to captain."Vaughan believes that Pope's insecurity stems from his lack of experience as a leader. He points out that not all vice-captains are capable of becoming captains, and that Pope may not have the necessary authority to command the respect of his teammates."I would be happy to be proven wrong on Pope," Vaughan added. "But I think he is someone who is a bit insecure. I can see why they gave him the vice-captaincy to give him a boost, but he really did not need the captaincy at this stage of his career."Vaughan also suggests that Harry Brook would be a better fit as England's next Test captain, due to his natural leadership qualities and aggressive approach. He also proposes that Joe Root could take up the mantle on an interim basis if necessary."Looking ahead, Harry Brook would be a better fit as captain for this side," Vaughan said. "But if there is another interim period when Stokes is injured and there are concerns about whether Brook is ready, what is wrong with giving the captaincy to Joe Root?"

Virat Kohli's decision to step down as India's Test captain in January 2022 raised eyebrows, with many believing he should have continued in the role. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed this sentiment, stating that Kohli could have led India in red-ball cricket for a longer period.Kohli's tenure as Test captain was marked by unprecedented success. He took over from MS Dhoni in 2014 and led the team in 68 matches, securing 40 victories with a win percentage of 58.82. Under his leadership, India achieved historic milestones, including their maiden Test series triumph in Australia in 2018, victories in the West Indies, and reaching the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.Kohli's home record as captain was particularly impressive, with 24 wins out of 31 Tests played in India, and only two losses. His aggressive and fearless approach inspired the team to numerous memorable victories.However, Kohli's decision to step down from the captaincy came as a surprise to many. Bangar believes that Kohli could have continued in the role for longer, given his exceptional leadership qualities and the team's success under his guidance.After Kohli's departure, Rohit Sharma was named India's skipper in all formats. Both Kohli and Rohit have since retired from T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the leadership in the shortest format. Rohit continues to lead the team in ODIs and Test cricket.

Babar Azam's Return to Test Captaincy Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan's StrugglesBabar Azam, the star Pakistani batter, has emerged as the popular choice among fans to reclaim his former role as Test captain, despite not currently holding the position. During the third day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, a video captured the crowd's fervent support for Babar's return to leadership.The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the spectators' unwavering admiration for the talented batsman. The stump microphone clearly recorded the crowd's chant, which reverberated through the stadium: "Humara Kaptaan Kaisa Ho? Babar Azam Jaisa Ho."Babar's decision to step down as Pakistan's captain across all formats came after a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. Shaheen Afridi, who took over as the new skipper, faced challenges and was subsequently removed from the role. Babar was then reinstated as the leader of the Men in Green in the white-ball formats.Meanwhile, Shan Masood remains the captain of Pakistan's red-ball team but is yet to secure his maiden victory in the longest format of the game.The match between Pakistan and Bangladesh witnessed a spirited fightback from the visitors, with four of their top seven batters scoring defiant fifties. Bangladesh reached 316-5 in response to Pakistan's 448-6 declared.Babar Azam's potential return to Test captaincy has sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some believe that his experience and leadership qualities would benefit the team, while others argue that it may disrupt the current setup.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made any official announcement regarding Babar's future as Test captain. However, the crowd's enthusiastic support for his return is a clear indication of his popularity and the high regard in which he is held by Pakistani cricket fans.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squads for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, scheduled to commence on September 5. Notably, India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will make his return to red-ball cricket in the tournament.Pant has been included in 'Team B' but surprisingly, he has not been appointed as the captain. Instead, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been entrusted with the leadership role. This decision has raised questions from former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who believes Pant should be considered for the Test captaincy."Rishabh Pant is not a captain. He has been selected in Abhimanyu Easwaran's team. He is playing under Abhimanyu Easwaran's captaincy, which is absolutely okay. However, is Rishabh Pant not even a candidate for Test captaincy? I am a little surprised," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.Chopra emphasized Pant's exceptional performance in Test cricket, highlighting his centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia. He believes Pant's consistency and aggressive style of play make him a suitable candidate for the captaincy."I am not aligned with this personally because the best avatar of Rishabh Pant you have seen is as a Test cricketer. He is the only wicketkeeper in the history of Indian cricket who has scored centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia in Test matches. The way he plays in Test cricket and the consistency with which he scores, he was the captaincy candidate in my opinion," Chopra added.Chopra also expressed curiosity about India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's views on Pant's captaincy potential. "However, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and even Abhimanyu Easwaran are captains, but Pant is not a captain, and that is a huge takeaway in my opinion," he said."A new era has started. So I will be very curious to know what Gautam's opinion is with regards to Rishabh Pant the captain," added the ex-India batter.