It is true that Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian T20I team, but at 34, even the most successful IPL captain could not be a long-term solution for the Men in Blue. The Indian cricket team appears sorted till at least the 2023 World Cup, with Kohli expected to lead the team in ODIs and Tests, while Rohit might lead in T20Is. But what’s next? By that time, Kohli and Rohit will be 35 and 36 years old, respectively, and India will need to find a new leader to lead the team.

Graeme Swann feels that Rohit has the potential to be a good captain, but that he can’t be in charge for very long. Thus, Swann thinks India needs to nurture a youngster who could be Rohit’s successor in the future. According to Swann, if the team is to look to the future, the captain should be someone younger and with prior captaincy experience.

While contributing with the bat, Pant led Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2021 Playoffs. Among the few Indian cricketers who can be picked in all three formats, Pant stands out from the crowd, according to Swann, and because of the depth of the Indian team, he is the ideal choice to captain India in the future.

“The only reason I would consider Rishabh Pant and wouldn’t choose Rohit Sharma is his age. With Rishabh Pant, you have someone there for the next 10 years, whereas Rohit has a lot of experience already, said the former off-spinner”.