Vice Captain of the Indian Cricket Team: Current Status and Context
The role of the vice-captain in the Indian cricket team has been an intriguing one, especially in the context of limited overs international (ODI) cricket. Currently, KL Rahul serves as the vice-captain, leading the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
The Leadership Landscape
As of the latest updates, the team structure comprises several pivotal figures. Former captain Rahul Dravid now acts as the head coach, while regular captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma are preparing for a major five-week Test series in England.
It's important to clarify the confusion around Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma as vice-captains. Rahane was the vice-captain during recent Test matches against Australia, in which he also led in the final Test match held in Bengaluru. India won this match during Rohit Sharma's absence.
Recent Developments and Players
In the ongoing India vs Australia ODI series, Rohit Sharma remains the vice-captain. This decision follows a significant performance by Shikhar Dhawan in the 2017 Cricket Champions Trophy, which has elevated the competition for the opening batsman position. Rohit Sharma's consistent performance as an opening batsman makes him a crucial part of the ODI squad. However, Dhawan's strong performances have solidified his position, making it difficult for other candidates to enter the ODI lineup, including Rahane.
In-Depth Analysis
Similarly, middle-order players like Manshi Pandey and Kedar Jadhav have also performed well in recent series, taking up the middle-order roles that Rahane had been expected to fill. These performances have led to Rahane's demotion both as an opening batsman and a vice-captain for ODIs.
Despite this, selectors have chosen KL Rahul as the vice-captain for the upcoming India vs Sri Lanka ODI series. This choice is influenced by Rahul's leadership experience with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His consistent performance and captaincy skills in the IPL have played a significant role in his selection.
India's Unique Appointing System
Interestingly, India's cricket team has a specific system for appointing a vice-captain. Unlike other cricketing nations, India does not appoint a formal vice-captain within the country for domestic matches. Instead, a vice-captain is appointed only for overseas tours where there might be an absence of the captain for a certain period.
In the Test format, Ajinkya Rahane serves as vice-captain. However, in limited-overs formats, it is Rohit Sharma who takes on this role. This structure ensures that the team remains prepared for any contingency without relying on a full-time vice-captain for domestic matches.
As the Indian cricket team continues to adapt to changing dynamics and player performances, the roles of captains and vice-captains will remain crucial in shaping the future of the team.