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Despite back-to-back Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia in late 2024, Rohit Sharma is expected to continue as India’s Test captain for the five-match away series in England.
Rohit Sharma likely to retain Test captaincy for England Tour
As per a TOI report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains inclined to back the senior opener. The selection committee is reportedly set to announce India’s squad in the second week of May 2025, and while significant changes are anticipated in the middle order the captaincy is likely to remain unchanged.
This vote of confidence in Rohit suggests that the selectors still value his calm temperament, experience, and tactical understanding, especially when facing a formidable England side in seam-friendly conditions. With no clearly established successor currently challenging his authority, the management seems prepared to offer him another opportunity to steady the Test ship and lead India through a critical transitional phase.
Rohit’s batting form and captaincy: A worrying trend in the longer format
Rohit’ captaincy is under increasing scrutiny, primarily because of India’s failure to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final for the first time under his leadership. Until now, India had reached the final stages in both the 2021 and 2023 WTC cycles, but consecutive series losses to New Zealand (away) and Australia (home) saw India crash out of contention in the 2024–25 cycle. Parallel to concerns over his captaincy is the clear decline in Rohit Sharma’s red-ball batting form. Once a dominant force at the top of the order, Rohit has failed to maintain consistency, especially outside Asia.
His career numbers, 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, may appear solid, but this average has dipped to a six-year low, a reflection of his struggles in recent series, most notably during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 where his contributions were modest and at times ineffective.
Rohit endured a torrid run with the bat in the 2024–25 Test season, managing just 164 runs across 15 innings at a dismal average of 10.93, his lowest in a single season since becoming a regular in the format. Despite getting starts in some games, his highest score was a modest 52, his only fifty of the season, as he consistently struggled to convert opportunities and fell cheaply on several occasions, including one duck.
| Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy (WTC 2024–25 Cycle) | Rohit Sharma’s Batting Form (WTC 2024–25 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| 1. India failed to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final for the first time under Rohit’s leadership. | 1. 64 runs in 15 innings in the 2024–25 Test season, his lowest tally in a season since becoming a red-ball regular. |
| 2. Consecutive Test series losses to New Zealand (away) and Australia (home) derailed India’s WTC campaign. | 2. Batting average dipped to 10.93, a career-worst for a single season. |
| 3. Tactics and leadership were questioned in pressure situations, especially in overseas Tests where India collapsed. | 3. Despite getting starts, only one half-century (52) all season , failed to convert consistently. |
| 4. Team appeared unsettled, with inconsistent team selections and poor fourth-innings planning in close matches. | 4. Overall Test career: 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at 40.57, but his average has now dropped to a six-year low. |
| 5. Critics have raised doubts about his strategic adaptability, particularly under challenging conditions. | 5. Frequently dismissed early, one duck, multiple scores under 20, highlighting vulnerability outside Asia. |
Also READ: Rohit Sharma names 2 key players crucial to India’s success in the England Test series
The bigger question: Is Rohit Sharma still the right choice to lead India in England?
1. Experience and leadership in a transitional phase
Rohit brings a wealth of experience to the Indian Test setup, having played 67 Test matches and led the side in key assignments. In a time when Indian Test cricket is undergoing a generational shift, with veterans like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara out of favour and young middle-order talents still unproven and Virat Kohli struggling with form, Rohit’s presence as captain offers vital stability.
Rohit calm temperament, tactical awareness, and ability to handle high-pressure scenarios make him a safe pair of hands. Against a strong and aggressive England side in seaming conditions, India would benefit from a captain who has led in all parts of the world and understands how to pace a five-Test series. Moreover, Rohit has previously marshaled his bowlers effectively, particularly in India’s home wins, showing that he has the ability to manage long-format strategies, especially when provided with a balanced squad.
2. Dip in batting form raises serious concerns
However, Rohit’s prolonged slump with the bat cannot be ignored. In the 2024–25 season alone, he averaged just 10.93 across 15 innings in eight Tests—his worst seasonal average since becoming a regular Test opener. This severe decline has coincided with India’s back-to-back Test series defeats and their first failure to reach a WTC Final.
If your captain is also an opener, his lack of form directly affects both team morale and batting stability, especially in English conditions where early wickets often dictate the course of a match. While Rohit has previously performed well in England during the 2021 tour, that form now feels distant, and the lack of recent runs casts doubt on his ability to lead from the front. A captain consistently failing with the bat risks not just his own spot but can inadvertently unsettle the dressing room as well.
3. Lack of clear successor keeps Rohit in the frame
One of the biggest reasons Rohit remains the frontrunner for the England tour is the absence of a strong, fully ready alternative. KL Rahul, who has leadership experience, is recovering from injuries and lacks consistent red-ball form. Rishabh Pant, seen by some as a long-term leader, is only just returning from a major layoff. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s vice-captain, is more focused on workload management and isn’t yet considered a full-time red-ball captain.
Emerging stars like Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal are still too early in their Test careers to shoulder such a massive responsibility. Given this leadership vacuum, the selectors may feel that Rohit is still the most viable short-term solution until a clearer picture emerges. His captaincy may not be flawless, but in the current setup, Rohit offers continuity, calmness, and the leadership India needs until a new core matures.
Also READ: Navjot Singh Sidhu shares his firm stance on Rohit Sharma leading India in England Tests
