The national selectors will meet here this evening to name
India's new Test cricket captain amid indication that Mahendra Singh Dhoni
will be given the job in the longer version as well.
With Sachin Tendulkar turning down the offer and suggesting that "a
youngster" be given the reins of the side, the 26-year-old Dhoni has emerged
as the front-runner for the job which has been lying vacant for nearly seven weeks
since Rahul Dravid stepped down from the post after a successful tour of
England.
Apart from Dhoni, veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble is
also in the reckoning after expressing his desire to lead the side. VVS Laxman
could also be considered in case the selectors decide against putting additional
burden on the young Dhoni, who also has the responsibility of keeping wickets.
In case the panel still decides to go with Dhoni, Laxman or
Kumble could be made the vice-captain.
If Dhoni is handed the captaincy of the Test side, it would
only be for the upcoming three matches against Pakistan and the tour
of Australia.
The new captain's performance would be assessed after the tour of Australia
before appointing him for a longer reign.
Apart from the Test captaincy, selectors will also choose the team for the
remaining three one-dayers against Pakistan but not too many changes are likely
to be made.
It will be interesting to see whether Rahul Dravid, who was
dropped for the first two one-dayers, is recalled after his brilliant double
century in a Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai.
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