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After Virat Kohli announced that he is stepping down from T20I captaincy after the World Cup, it has opened a debate as to who should lead India in the shortest format of the game. Although Kohli’s successor is not yet announced, there are quite a few contenders for the role. Cricwizz takes a look.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit is the favorite to lead India in T20Is post the World T20. He has led every time Kohli was given rest from the shortest format of the game. And Rohit has done well whenever he has led India in T20Is, winning 15 out of 19. Besides, Rohit has proven his T20I captaincy credentials, winning five IPL titles for Mumbai Indians. 

But at 34, Rohit could not be the long-term candidate for the captaincy. And hence, India could look for a young captain who could lead India in the shortest format for a long time.

KL Rahul

Rahul has done well in IPL as captain, opener, and keeper, donning all three roles with aplomb. He is also in top form in T20 cricket and can lead from the front. At 29, he has a long future with the Indian team, and hence, he could be a potential limited-overs captain for the long term. Hence, Rahul could give a tough competition to Rohit for the captain’s spot in T20Is post World T20.

Rishabh Pant

Pant has been new to IPL captaincy but has done a good job so far in 2021. He brings a lot of aggressiveness to his game and can lead from the front. Also, he is the next star in the block, with the improved show in batting, keeping, and now in captaincy in IPL 2021. At 23, Pant is too young for the role, and that could see him losing the race to the T20I captaincy. But if selectors go for young blood, Pant is best suited for it.

Verdict

Although Rohit is 34, his experience and success as IPL captain pave heavily in favor of him being appointed as the next T20I skipper for India.