With Rohit Sharma taking over as ODI captain for India's forthcoming tour of South Africa, the Indian cricket team is set to enter a new era. Virat Kohli has been replaced in the role by Rohit Sharma.

Kohli had previously said that he would step down as India's T20 captain after the 2021 World Cup, with Rohit leading the team. While Kohli has stated that he has no plans to stand down as ODI captain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to only have one white-ball captain.

While Rohit's elevation to ODI skipper was announced by the BCCI, the top body has yet to name a vice-captain for the Indian team in the 50-over format. Three players that potentially be Rohit's deputy are: 

When the squad for the three-match T20I home series against New Zealand was announced, KL Rahul was picked as Rohit's deputy. With the BCCI suggesting that the two white-ball formats should have the same leadership group, KL being the vice-captain in ODI cricket looks like an easy pick.

Furthermore, he is certainly the opener for the side in both T20I and ODI cricket, and he has previous expertise, having captained the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League for the past two years.

Given the aging of both Rohit and Virat, as well as Rahul's age, Indian cricket may opt to invest in a younger vice-captain and prepare him for leadership duties after the 2023 ODI World Cup. Rishabh Pant is the ideal pick for the post if the BCCI decides to go that route, as he is likely to wear the gloves for Team India in all three forms for an extended length of time. Pant is now a lock to captain the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2022, and being a wicket-keeper gives him an advantage in the captaincy contest.

With Australia opting to make a fast-bowler, Pat Cummins, the captain of their Test team, India only has one option to follow suit. Jasprit Bumrah, one of the team's most seasoned players and the Men in Blue's most consistent performer in recent years, is a plausible choice for a leadership post. Bumrah has been coaching young Indian bowlers, and his calm and collected manner makes him a perfect candidate for the job.

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