The cricket world has been buzzing about who will be India’s next red-ball captain after Rohit Sharma’s official retirement from Test cricket. As India is going to be touring England later in the year for an important Test series, former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold statement; get Virat Kohli back as captain, with young Shubman Gill as his vice-captain. Vaughan’s statement has added more fuel to an already lively debate amongst fans, former players and analysts. Vaughan’s post on X (formerly Twitter), was the following:
“If I was India I would give the captaincy to Virat for the Test series in England .. Shubman Gill can be his VC for the tour.”
Of course, the suggestion is not completely outrageous. Kohli stepped down from Test captaincy in 2022, but he is still one of the most impactful cricketers of his generation, and is still one of the best batsmen and leaders in the world.
A Natural Leader Still With Fire
Virat Kohli’s captaincy record in Test cricket, with India, is one of the most successful in cricketing history. Kohli led India in 68 Tests from 2014-2022, where India played, won 40, lost 17, and drew 11 matches; equating to a win % of 58.82%. Kohli’s aggressive, and complete no-nonsense leadership style created a new identity for Indian cricket based primarily on fast bowling strength, fitness, and fearless cricket in overseas conditions.
His biggest legacy, whilst captain, is leading India to historic Test series wins in Australia and dominating at home. Kohli’s approach of emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and aggressive cricket, veered too far away from the conservatism displayed by previous captains in relation to their squad (and set pieces).
A Case for a Temporary Return
With Rohit Sharma stepping down, and no clear succession plan in sight, Kohli could be the bridge that India needs to span the generations. Vaughan’s suggestion, in some respect, is a temporary return for Kohli, with Gill learning under his captaincy, could be an intelligent method to transition to the next phase.
Shubman Gill is an exceptional prodigy poised for leadership down the road, but the young lad is still attempting to find his niche in the game, with particular regard to red-ball cricket. Possibly handing him leadership duties in a tough away tour in England may be too early. If it were anyone else in charge, but Kohli, they would also be going through their first tour in Britain! Kohli has been there, done that—and knows better than anyone what is needed to succeed in English conditions, and particularly, psychological warfare, which is a byproduct of such a high-profile Test series.
Kohli (the batsman): still a potent force
Kohli has not been captain of the Test side for two years, but he is no less relevant to India. He has played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.9, and has thirty centuries to his name, a number not many players can match. His highest score of 254*, is now a part of the great storytelling of Indian cricket. Kohli’s last Test, especially disappointing to me, as he received much deserved criticism for trying to hit a foolish shot playing outside of off-stump in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Kohli has yet again appeared to be in form, based on recent edabilities in the 2025 IPL. I see that he is hungry and focused; two key characteristics of any Test captain in the high-stakes circumstance of England; again, especially when you are on the verge of failure; through this adversity you learn to rebuild better.
A void of leadership impending?
Who captains India long-term remains a mystery. Bumrah is another option who was captain on a temporary basis in England in 2022, but with his injury, there is always the possibility of having the discretionary judgment to rely on an injured leader. Shubman Gill is another terrific option to groom for full-time captaincy, he squashed his technique while he was young, he may need a little more grooming.
Kohli as a captain for a series in a tough circumstance may be brilliant as he could provide experience, calm, and the transition for a team from their next generation leader (s).
The Emotional Quotient: What the Fans Want
Fans seem to be firm in their desire to see Kohli return as captain. His passion, energized on-field demeanor, exuberant celebrations of wickets, clashes with the opposition—these were all part of that high-octane approach that India often thrives on. India, under Kohli, had a brand—the “arrogant” but heavily “focused”; the “aggressive” but “accountable”.
So, returning Kohli would give them not only a lift inside the team, but it would dominate discussion, and opposition perspectives, and send a strong signal to the opposition: India mean business.
What About Kohli?
There is noise around Kohli indicating that he has the willingness to step down from Tests, not to lead them again. It is important to note that this is conjecture and unsubstantiated. Given his position now and form, though, he might be motivated for a single last run as a captain—especially, if BCCI are willing to put a short-term proposal in front of him, along with a clear long-term vision that incorporated Gill, or another young player or the like into that position.
There is late career precedent for cricketers making these returns—for love, the crest on the chest, and legacy. Kohli has an open emotional side; suppose he was just another captain, it might be harder to resist the temptation to captain India again on the big stage, one time only.
Some Conclusion
As India prepares for the Tests in England, and this new cycle of the World Test Championship, getting the right mix of stability, experience, leadership, and skill will be critical for success. As Interim captain, Kohli could offer that, even if it was only for the limited duration of this squad.
The BCCI will need to weigh every option available, including fitness, form, succession plans, and team make-up. What cannot be rejected is the prospect of Kohli leading India out at Lord’s or Headingley, one more time, would be exhilarating news—on many levels for everyone in cricket, not just the fans.
