Ravi Shastri names two contenders to lead Team India in future

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri stepped down from the position post the T20 World Cup 2021 last month. As the Men in Blue failed terribly in the gala competition, Shastri’s last assignment wasn’t a memorable one. However, nothing can defy that the former Indian all-rounder has done a commendable job as a mentor. Under him, Team India won several crucial series both home and overseas.

However, an ICC title would have been the cherry on the cake. Meanwhile, Shastri has worked closely with many players in the team and would be well aware of their strengths and weakness. On being asked about India’s potential captains in the future, the southpaw put forward the names of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer have good leading qualities: Ravi Shastri

Shastri’s comment came while talking about Rahul Dravid, who took over as Team India head coach, in November. “Rahul Dravid knows his job. All I want to say to him is enjoy. KL Rahul is there, Shreyas Iyer has good leading qualities in the future especially in white-ball cricket,” Shastri told Indian Express.

For the unversed, both Rahul and Iyer have led in Indian Premier League (IPL) and it will be interesting to see if either of the two gets the chance of leading the national team or not. It must be noted that Rahul has been named as India’s stand-in vice-captain, in Rohit Sharma’s absence, for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

On the other hand, Iyer is yet to be introduced into the leadership group in the international arena. However, the 27-year-old, who slammed a century on Test debut against New Zealand last month, was named the captain of IPL franchise Delhi Capitals in 2019 and guided the side to their maiden playoffs appearance in seven seasons.

He even led them to the finals in the subsequent season in 2020. Speaking of the Indian, there have been some significant changes in the Indian team. Virat Kohli stepped down as T20I captain post the T20 World Cup. While Rohit Sharma immediately got that role, BCCI later decided him to make the ODI skipper as well.

Speaking of the controversial decision, Shastri said: “Once Virat said he didn’t want to lead T20s, it opened for Rohit. He should be the white-ball captain.”