Search on for next skipper
With eight straight Test defeats away from home and failing to reach the final of two multi national ODI tournaments, MS Dhoni must be extremely lucky if he continues to lead the national side in future. The failure in T20 is also palpable, after winning the World Cup in 2007, India failed to progress past the league stage in the next two editions.
The selection committee headed by Kris Srikkanth has been contemplating a change in guard for a while. For starters they thought of dual captaincy as with most teams but what worked in Dhoni’s favour was a lack of a strong contender to challenge. Sources close to the selection committee indicated a change is imminent after the one-off T20 match against South Africa.
With India set to play only at home for nearly a year after the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, it looks like perfect time to inject a new leader. Here is a look at the possible candidates who can replace the once Captain Cool.
If the dashing opener had returned to some sort of form in Australia the debate for Dhoni’s successor could have well been over. Sehwag’s dipping average and questionable fitness have added to his woes. He is the only player apart from Dhoni to have led India in all three formats and his success rate is not bad either. A lot will depend on how quickly he can regain form and prove fitness beyond doubt. Captaincy: Tests: P4, W2, L1, D1. ODIS: P12, W7, L5. T20: P1, W1.
Seen as the natural successor to Dhoni, Gambhir has been troubled by various reasons. Apart from his rare failure in the Test series down Under, Gambhir also had to fight more than injury. At 30, Gambhir is probably has a lot more to offer than Sehwag in terms of longevity. His perfect record as captain in ODIS is an indication of how well he enjoys the job. Having lead Delhi and Kolkata in the IPL, Gambhir is not short of experience either. Is a certainty in all formats Captaincy: ODIS: P6, W6.
Made in-charge of the team for two overseas tours, when the seniors were not available, Raina was seen as the future of Indian cricket but his below par show in Test cricket has left him in a muddle. Seen as one of the talents in the shorter versions, Raina has to shore up his technique in order to regain his spot in the Test side and then wait for elevation to leadership. Captaincy: ODIS: P9, W4, L5. The purple patch he is in and sudden elevation to vice-captaincy is an indication on where the selectors want to invest. Kohli is no stranger to walking out for a toss.
Having led the India U-19 team to a World Cup win, Kohli as tasted captaincy before. If Gambhir is not the answer the Srikkanth led committee is looking for then the focus definitely shifts to youngster Kohli.