"He's ready": Sanjay Bangar backs KL Rahul to lead India after Rohit Sharma's exit

With Rohit Sharma’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket, Indian cricket fans are now asking the big question: Who will lead the team in whites? While the BCCI is still weighing its options, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has a clear answer — KL Rahul.

Bangar, known for his no-nonsense cricketing insight, believes Rahul is the right man for the job, especially with a big England tour just around the corner.

Why Rahul? Bangar makes his case

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Bangar didn’t hold back in his praise for the Karnataka batter. “He’s been a proven Test batter,” Bangar said. “A lot of important runs at the top of the order for India. Most of his big knocks have come overseas, which tells you everything you need to know about his temperament and technique.”

Rahul’s Test numbers are quietly impressive which is 3,257 runs in 58 matches, and notably, 2,108 of those runs have come in tough away conditions. Seven of his eight centuries were scored outside India, in places like England, Australia, and South Africa. 

“He’s 33, not too old. If we’re looking at the World Test Championship cycle, which spans two years, Rahul can easily see it through,” Bangar added. “He’s calm, experienced, and already has leadership experience across formats.”

Some fans have been calling for Jasprit Bumrah to take the helm, and while Bangar agrees Bumrah is a top contender, he cautioned that fitness and workload might get in the way.

He compared it to how the T20I captaincy shifted from Hardik Pandya to Suryakumar Yadav. “With Hardik, the concern was his availability. So the team went with someone who was guaranteed to be in the XI,” Bangar explained. “It might be the same with Bumrah in Tests. Managing his workload is essential, it’s hard to do that when you’re also leading the side.”

KL Rahul might not be the loudest or flashiest player, but his red-ball track record speaks volumes. He’s been India’s go-to opener in overseas conditions and even stepped into the middle order when needed. He’s also a handy wicketkeeper and a rock-solid fielder.

India’s next big Test assignment is a five-match series against England. It will kick off on June 20 at Headingley. That leaves the BCCI just a few weeks to name a new captain.