Rohit named India’s Test captain, Rahane and Pujara dropped

NEW DELHI REUTERS Feb 19: Opener Rohit Sharma was named India's test captain on Saturday, succeeding Virat Kohli as the team's leader in all three formats ahead of the home series against Sri Lanka.

Kohli, India's most successful test captain, resigned from the role in a shock move last month after seven years in charge.

“Rohit is the number one player in the country. We spoke to him and he's absolutely OK (to lead the team in all formats),” selection committee chairman Chetan Sharma told a virtual news conference.

“Under a player as experienced as Rohit, we can also groom future leaders of the team.” India play Sri Lanka in three Twenty20 internationals starting on Thursday, before the two-test series next month.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is Rohit's deputy in both the squads.

The opening test in Mohali will be Kohli's 100th.

The selectors dropped senior batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane but Sharma said it was to give them a chance to rediscover their form in domestic cricket.

Batsman KL Rahul and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar missed out with injuries while spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's selection was subject to fitness, Sharma said.

Left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav was recalled to the test squad.

Kohli and Pant have been allowed to skip Sunday's Twenty20 dead rubber against West Indies and return home, Sharma added.