Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Feb 19: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that Rohit Sharma will succeed Virat Kohli as captain of India’s Test team. Rohit Sharma has been named as the full-time T20I and ODI captain.
Rohit’s first task as a full-time Test captain is a two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on March 1. For the past few years, he has established himself as a key member of the Test side, as well as a mainstay at the top of the order.
In white-ball cricket, Rohit’s credentials as a captain are unrivalled. After Ajnkya Rahane was removed as skipper due to poor play last year, Rohit was named vice-captain of the Test team in December 2021. However, due to a hamstring injury, Rohit was unable to fly to South Africa.
“The selection committee thought a lot before making the decision. We spoke to them earlier. We told them we will not consider them for 2 Test matches for Sri Lanka. We told them the doors are absolutely open for them. In just 2 Test matches, selectors decided to give chances to other cricketers. They are playing Ranji Trophy,” Chetan Sharma said.
India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka was also declared by the BCCI. As India revealed their selections for the Test and T20I series against Sri Lanka, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were left out.
Over the last few years, the two veterans have struggled in the longest format, which has resulted in their expulsion. Ravichandran Ashwin has been named in the squad, although his participation in the series will be contingent on his fitness.
Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill have both been called up after being deemed fit. Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar has also been called up. Due to worries about his fitness, KL Rahul will also be unavailable.
India’s Test squad for SL series:
Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Ashwin (fitness), Ravi Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep, Bumrah (VC), Shami, Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Sourabh Kumar.
