Following the T20 World Cup campaign in October, Shastri referred to Rahul Dravid as his successor as India’s head coach. “Dravid knows how to handle any situation. He has experience. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have the potential to be good leaders for the future, especially in white-ball cricket, ” explained Shastri in a recent press conference.

Talking about the South Africa series, Rahul will replace Kohli as vice-captain. As a result of a hamstring injury, Rohit Sharma will miss the three-match series. During the squad announcement for the tour, Rohit had been named Virat Kohli’s deputy. Between the seasons of 2020 and 2021, Rahul has led the IPL team Punjab Kings.

The Indian cricket team is yet to introduce Iyer to its leadership group. Although he played in his first international Test against the Kiwis in November, the youngster headed the Delhi Capitals to their first playoff appearance in seven seasons, back in 2019 after being named the team’s captain. Despite returning for the UAE leg of the IPL in 2021, he was unable to resume his old role as the team made their first IPL final. He also continued to play the role in 2020, where they reached their first IPL final, but he missed the first half of the IPL 2021 owing to injury. In the course of 2022, the Capitals released Iyer.

In addition, Rohit has been given responsibility for bowling in the white-ball format of cricket in the Indian team. Having given up the T20I captaincy after the forgettable World T20 campaign in the UAE, Kohli was subsequently relieved of his role in the ODI team. “After Virat announced he wouldn’t lead the 20s, Rohit should take over,” concluded Shastri regarding the decision.