India vs New Zealand Test Series: BCCI has announced a 16-member squad for India vs New Zealand T20 series, slated to take place immediately after the T20 World Cup. The Indian squad for the 2-match Test series is yet to be announced. As per several media reports, it is believed that the national selectors might announce the Test team by the end of this week.
Virat Kohli's role as team India's T20 captain got over with India's exit from T20 World Cup but he still remains captain of India's Test and ODI team. However, keeping in mind the fatigue and workload issues, the selectors will most probably give rest to some regular players, and Virat's name is definitely in this list. So the discussions about who will replace Virat as India's Test skipper captain is gaining momentum.
Along with Virat, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur and Rishabh Pant can also be rested These players have been a regular part of Team India for some time now. If this happens, then the selectors have 2 options for the captaincy of the Test team - Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.
1. Ajinkya Rahane
Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, Team India won the historic series against Australia last year. However, he has failed to perform well with the bat for some time now. Not only this, but some experts also believe that selectors might even drop his name from India's playing XI against New Zealand in Test series.
2. Rohit Sharma
After Virat, Rohit Sharma, who was made the captain of Team India in T20 cricket, can also be made captain in the Test series against New Zealand. It is also being reported that Rohit will lead India in the first Test and Kohli will return to captain team in the second Test. Rohit Sharma might be rested in the 2nd Test because in the second week of December, team India has to leave for the South African tour.
The first Test between India and New Zealand will be played in Kanpur from November 25.