3 Indian cricketers who could lead India across all formats

Indian cricket has always placed a premium on identifying leadership talent early. With several senior players approaching the end of their international careers, the question of who leads India across formats in the coming years is becoming increasingly relevant. The selectors have already begun giving younger players leadership responsibilities at the domestic and India A levels.

Here are three cricketers who could lead India across all formats:

1. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal, born July 7, 2000, in Edappal, Kerala, is a left-handed top-order batter who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. His Test record of 418 runs in 4 matches at an average of 69.66, including 2 centuries and a highest score of 167, underlines his quality at the highest level. His last Test appearance came on August 23, 2026, against Sri Lanka.

On the leadership front, Padikkal was named captain of India A for a two-match unofficial Test series against Australia A in 2026, with Sai Sudharsan appointed as his vice-captain. He scored a crucial half-century during that four-day series in September 2026. At the domestic level, he took charge of Karnataka's Ranji Trophy side during the 2025-26 season, succeeding Mayank Agarwal in the role. He showed composure under pressure by opening the second innings and scoring an unbeaten 120 off 85 balls to complete a 250-run chase against Punjab. He also posted a career-best 232 from No. 3 against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy semi-final while leading the side. In the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, he contributed 62 for South Zone.