International cricket has become so demanding for some of the captains in their sides. There have been instances when players have stepped down from captaining a particular format due to stress or the sheer amount of effort required to do that and focus on your own game.
If the top-6 teams could be future captains, it would be to the following players:
India’s probable future captain – KL Rahul:
One player who has had a good three years or so in the international circuit has to be KL Rahul. The Bangalore-based batsman has proved his talent in all three formats of the game and is a regular starter when he is fit.
Rahul also has great temperament and could be the next captain if he continues his disciplined performances for the next few years. Maybe Kohli might give up the T20 captaincy later on and Rahul could take the opportunity.
South Africa’s probable future captain – Quinton De Kock:
One other player who has been in great touch for the South Africans over the past half a decade or so has been Quinton De Kock. The opening batsman and keeper has consistently been doing well for the past few years and could become the next captain if his form continues.
Faf Du Plessis is a player who has the attributes to lead the side and AB De Villiers too is an inspirational figure. Maybe when one has to retire or focus on their batting, De Kock could be an ideal pick.
England’s probable future captain – Ben Stokes:
While Joe Root is the captain of the Test squad and Eoin Morgan is leading the limited overs squads, the England team have quality to lead them. However, if there is a death of options in the near future, then Ben Stokes is the ideal candidate to take up the job.
Stokes is a genuine all-rounder who is rising in stature in the game. He also has all the attributes require to lead the side and will just need some experience before the responsibility.
New Zealand’s probable future captain – Mitchell Santner:
Though Kane Williamson is an able captain with some heavyweight pedigree in international cricket, Mitchell Santner too is rising to the top. The New Zealander has been in good form with the ball over the past two years or so.
If he continues his rise to form, maybe they could split the captaincy between the two as Williamson gets older in the game.
Australia’s probable future captain – Mitch Starc:
Mitchell Starc is one player who can really get under the opponent’s skin and this is excluding his bowling. Starc is a great bowler who has all the qualities to go down as an all-time great of the Australian team.
Maybe, if he is given the role of captain in the T20s at least, he might mellow down thanks to the added responsibility given to him.
West Indies’s probable future captain – Darren Bravo:
While the West Indies team are in disarray, having different squads for each format. Hopefully once their dispute gets settled, they will have their original team back on track. The Windies current ODI and Test captain is Jason Holder but he does not have the best record.
Maybe getting someone like a Darren Bravo to lead the side could make all the difference for their team.
By Rohit Nair
