Rohit Sharma is more than likely to become India’s next T20I skippet for the upcoming series against New Zealand. While an official confirmation is awaited, outgoing head coach Ravi Shastri confirmed the development to the press on Monday. He is also likely to lead India in the first of the two Tests against New Zealand. Virat Kohli meanwhile is likely to be rested for the first Test. India will host New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests, starting on November 17.

The series will kick off with the three T20Is to be played in Jaipur (November 17), Ranchi (November 19) and Kolkata (November 21). Meanwhile, as per a report in TOI, Rohit Sharma is almost certain to take over Virat Kohli as India’s next T20I skipper and will be leading the first Test in Kanpur on November 25. Ajinkya Rahane will be the vice-captain of the Test side while KL Rahul will be Rohit’s deputy for the T20I series.

Rohit Sharma To Lead In First Test In Virat Kohli’s Absence

“Please do not read much into Virat resting for the initial matches. He’ll be back to captain the team from the second Test. The Test team is his and he’s done phenomenally well” said a BCCI official.

As per the report, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami will be rested for the T20Is with the likes of Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar and Rahul Chahar likely to be included in the squad. Shreyas Iyer, who was a reserve batter for the T20 World Cup, is expected to return to the main squad.

In another update from the report, the Indian selectors will put a hold on the ODI captaincy debate since India will play Tests and T20Is against New Zealand.

The BCCI will take a call on the same when they sit down to select the squad for the ODI series against South Africa to be played later this year in December. India play three ODIs and four T20Is against the Proteas in the last month of this year.

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