Virat Kohli to return as Test captain? Head coach Gautam Gambhir backs batter to take leadership

The return of Virat Kohli as the Test captain might soon come true as the batter is likely to become the skipper yet again in the longest format of the game. As per the reports in Khel Now, it is learned that head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the idea of taking charge of the Test team again. 

This comes after Rohit Sharma, as a captain, came under massive scanner following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The batter scored just 31 runs in the series and also opted out of the last game, which was played at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, with Jasprit Bumrah taking the charge. 

Rohit Sharma returned to Ranji Trophy 2024-25 after that as he played one game for Mumbai. The batter played just one game for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir but couldn't get going as he scored just 31 runs across two innings in his domestic cricket. 

With Rohit Sharma opting out of the last game against Australia, it almost suggested that the batter won't be continuing in the Tests. Various reports have claimed as well that BCCI is looking for the next skipper in the longest format of the game. 

There also have been calls related to Virat Kohli taking over as the captain of the Test team again in the transition phase. During the tour, reports claimed that Kohli has touted himself as Mr Fixit and wants to lead the team in the Tests till the young guns are ready to take the leadership.

Coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the idea of Virat leading the Test team again - BCCI source

This could be a reality as well because, as per the reports in Khel Now, it is learned that the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has supported the idea of Virat Kohli leading the team, but the batter is yet to give any confirmation. 

A source close to BCCI said: "Coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the idea of Virat leading the Test team again. But he is yet to clear his stance officially." 

The source close added that BCCI is also on the same page as the team did great under Virat Kohli. He added that so far the batter looks the most suited option for the role. He elaborated: 

"Team India has done well under the aggressive captaincy of Virat, especially in overseas conditions. With the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle starting, the team needs a leader like Kohli because the next line of Test leaders is still in development. In the interim, Kohli looks like the most suited option."

Do Read: When and Where to watch the Tri Series between Pakistan, South Africa & New Zealand in India?