‘Mr Fixit’ of BGT at it again? Senior Indian star wanted Test captaincy “again” but faces rejection from BCCI

It looks like the aspirations to become the next Test captain are at an all-time high in the Indian dressing room. In the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), there were massive dressing room issues when India were down and out. One of the major highlights of those disturbing reports was of a ‘Mr Fixit’, who labelled himself as a temporary captaincy option when Rohit Sharma eyed stepping himself down from the fifth Sydney Test.

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Senior player wanted Test captaincy “again”

Fascinatingly, something similar has resurfaced again. As per timesofindia.com, a senior Indian player reportedly showed interest in a “return” to captaincy. Focus on the word return, since not many of the current Test team players have received an opportunity to lead the side again. However, the player’s desire was rejected by the BCCI since it wants the team to look at a long-term solution and not a “stop-gap arrangement” for a high-profile series against England.

“It is reliably understood that another senior player, who sensed a leadership vacuum, expressed desire to have the captaincy armband again. That, however, was not entertained by the Indian cricket board, as they are clear on grooming a player for the future,” read TOI’s report.

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Virat Kohli or KL Rahul?

Now, if we assume India’s squad that went to Australia, there were four players who have led India in the format, with one being Rohit Sharma himself. That leaves three players – Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul – as possible players. While the name has not been shared as to who was the one eyeing captaincy again, we can dissect some via reasonings.

Kohli could be an easy target among speculations but it doesn’t make sense for him to ask for captaincy for the England tour again. Simply because Kohli himself reportedly denied Gautam Gambhir’s request to lead India for the 5th BGT Test when Rohit dropped himself due to lack of form. That leaves KL Rahul and Bumrah, both whom have enough command for leadership roles within the side. While Bumrah has captained India whenever Rohit has not been available, Rahul is one of the front-runners for the vice-captaincy role after Shubman Gill.

“A new WTC cycle is starting. The future and continuity has to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can’t be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two Test series haven’t been ideal for the team and the England series is very crucial,” the publication quoted a source as claiming.

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