'Rohit's not getting any younger, neither is Virat' - Ravi Shastri picks his future India captain

According to former India head coach Ravi Shastri, the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) could provide a solid indication of who could be India’s next long-term captain. In all formats, Rohit Sharma has replaced Virat Kohli as India’s captain. However, given that the opener is already 34 years old, he is projected to be replaced by a younger player in the future.

Virat Kohli quit as India’s T20I skipper after the end of the T20 World Cup in 2021 and was afterwards removed as the ODI captain. After India’s failure in South Africa this year, he stepped down as the Test captain as well, and Rohit took over in all three duties.

“Rohit’s not getting any younger. Neither is Virat (Kohli). They’ll have to look at who might be the captain two years, three years down the line,” Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo.

I’ll be looking at Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul: Ravi Shastri

Shastri added he will be keeping a watch on Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Hardik Pandya, who are all spearheading their particular teams in the IPL.

“So that’s where I’ll be looking at. I’ll be looking at Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals). I’ll be looking at Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders). Very closely. Of course KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants), the way he handles that side. And Hardik for the simple reason if that can energise in him a manner that can make him come out and play with gay abandon.”

Under Rohit Sharma’s command, a number of young players have been given opportunities to play for India in recent times. Shastri said he is looking forward to seeing how these players improve their chances in the IPL.

Considering that the T20 World Cup about to take place in Australia, where the team would play on fast and bouncy pitches, Shastri feels the the skipper and coach will pay special attention to the pace bowling unit of the team.

The IPL 2022 season kicks off on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with MS Dhoni’s CSK taking on Shreyas Iyer’s KKR.