Rohit Sharma finally breaks silence on 'Who will be India's next captain'

Rohit Sharma has sent a strong message to the young cricketers aspiring for the role of India’s future Test captain, urging them to "work hard" and "earn" their opportunity rather than expect it to be handed to them on the platter amidst the New Year’s Test against Australia.

Speaking candidly during lunch break at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where India and Australia are playing the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Indian skipper has emphasized that becoming Test captain is not a privilege but a responsibility.

Rohit Sharma urges young cricketers to earn India’s Test captaincy through hard work

Rohit said that captaining India in Test cricket is a "great honor" but stressed that it comes with immense pressure. He also noted that aspiring Indian players must first understand the true "importance of cricket" and what it takes to lead a team at the highest level.

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Rohit Sharma reiterated that no one gets the captaincy easily; it’s earned through hard work and dedication. Referring to past captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper said they all earned their roles, and so should the next leader. Rohit also mentioned Jasprit Bumrah, but he also urged the young players to work hard and earn this honor in the future.

I want them to understand the importance of cricket first: Rohit Sharma

Speaking on Star Sports, Rohit Sharma said at the SCG: “It is very difficult to say who will be India’s next captain. There are many boys. But I want them to understand the importance of cricket first. Understand the importance of this place. They are new boys. I know they should be given responsibility.

But let them earn it. Let them play some hard-fought cricket for the next few years or whatever it is. Let them earn it. I am here now. Bumrah is here. Virat was here before him. MS Dhoni was here before him. Everyone has earned it.”

He added, “No one has got it on a plate. No one should get it like this. Let them work hard. There is a lot of talent in the boys. But at the same time, I also want to say that it is not easy to become the captain of India. There is pressure. But it is a great honor. Our history and the way we play cricket have a great responsibility on both shoulders. So let them earn it.”

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Rohit Sharma hails Jasprit Bumrah’s growth and class as a leader in Test Cricket

Furthermore, Rohit Sharma praised Jasprit Bumrah, who led India in the Perth Test, for his game knowledge and leadership on the field. He called Bumrah a player of "class" who sets an example with his bowling. He also highlighted how Bumrah has grown and evolved over the years.

The Indian skipper also noted that Jasprit Bumrah's performance has only improved, and his bowling is now admired worldwide. Rohit emphasized that Bumrah continues to go from strength to strength.

Notably, Bumrah was also leading India in the ongoing New Year’s Test, but he was struck with the injury on Day 2, forcing Virat Kohli to step up in the role against Australia in Sydney.

Rohit signed off by saying, “Of course, he has a lot of game ideas. The way he sets an example of his bowling for others, that is class. He has class. He understands the game. He always keeps the team ahead. He has evolved a lot in himself. With his game, with his thinking.”