Former Australian captain and legend Ricky Ponting talks about India’s next leader in the longest format. He described Rohit Sharma as a very successful captain, who has won a record 6 trophies in the IPL. He also expressed shock about Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as captain and hailed him as India’s greatest Test leader. Ricky Ponting has backed Rohit Sharma to take over as India’s next Test captain given his stellar record.

In the hunt for a new Test captain, the BCCI is looking at Rohit Sharma as the leader of the white ball, after Kohli stepped down as T20I captain and was sacked as ODI captain.

Ricky Ponting revealed his surprise when he came to know about Virat Kohli stepping down from the leadership role. Ponting also shared deep thoughts on who can now fill this huge void – while also paying tribute to the achievements of the outgoing captain. India is yet to announce the successor of Virat Kohli as Test captain. Several names are in the news as possible candidates, with Rohit Sharma being the favourite.

“I was at Mumbai Indians when Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy there. I was bought in the auction to be their captain and unfortunately, I wasn’t playing well enough after the first few games to keep myself in the team, so I had to make room for another international player to come into the side.”

Ricky Ponting

After Ponting left the Mumbai Indians team as captain, he was asked who he thinks could be the best player and captain to lead the team again, he suggested Rohit Sharma’s name to take over the leadership in Mumbai Indians.

“There were a few names thrown around between owners and the other coaches but it was really clear to me that there was only one guy that can lead the team – he was a young guy and his name happened to be Rohit Sharma.”

Ricky Ponting

While Rohit had already proven himself both as a captain and a player in white-ball cricket, thinks Ponting, his recent Test success elevates his position in world cricket.

“I think the proof is in the pudding with what he has done at the Mumbai Indians since that moment on. He has been a very successful leader there and has been when he has led India on a few occasions as well. If I go back to what I said at the start about being on top of your game when you take over a captaincy role, then it is pretty hard to argue after what he has done with his Test cricket in the last two to three years. He has played as well as anybody in the world through that period of time, and we know how good he is as a white-ball player.”

Ricky Ponting

Key Features – Why Rohit Sharma should be considered as Test Captain:

• He was named as the only Indian to score the most runs for India in the previous calendar year in ICC Tests.
• With KL Rahul facing India’s 0-3 loss in the Test series, he is unlikely to be ahead in the race to become the Test leader.
• Rohit Sharma is the front-runner to become India’s next Test captain after being named as the white-ball captain.
• Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to a historic win in Australia, is under question about his place in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. In this way everyone’s fingers are pointing towards Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant’s name is also seen in the cap.