Jasprit Bumrah is also in contention to lead India

Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has stated that if the occasion arises, he is willing to take over as captain. "If given an opportunity, it would be an honour. I don’t think any player would say no," Bumrah stated at a Monday press conference.

For the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which begins on Wednesday, the fast bowler has been promoted to vice-captaincy. Regular captain Rohit Sharma has failed to recuperate from a hamstring injury, thus KL Rahul has been named as the series' stand-in captain.

Following Virat Kohli's decision to step down as Test captain after the conclusion of the South Africa series, speculation is rife as to who will take his place. While Rahul and Rohit are widely regarded as the frontrunners, Sunil Gavaskar, a former India captain and one of the game's most prominent figures, has endorsed wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant. The name of Bumrah can now be added to the list as well.

In Indian cricket, quick bowlers are rarely chosen to captain the team. Kapil Dev, on the other hand, was a shining example. Bumrah, on the other hand, is one of just three players with an A+ central contract (the other two being Kohli and Rohit) and is essential in any format.

Bumrah said, “Ready to do it if given the responsibility. In any leadership group, I always look forward to contributing in the same manner.”

Prior to the South Africa tour, the selectors upgraded Rohit to Test vice-captaincy, replacing Ajinkya Rahane. However, due to his recent injury history, the opener has been ruled out of the entire trip. When Kohli was unable to play the second Test in Johannesburg due to a back spasm, Rahul was named captain, and Bumrah was named vice-captain.

The BCCI selectors are set to name Rohit as captain across all formats for the time being, but there is still a question mark over what would happen after that. Rohit's shaky fitness record may be a stumbling block to his being a long-term captain. He is also a year and a half older than Kohli, having turned 35 in April.

The selection committee sees leadership potential in Bumrah, as seen by his promotion to ODI vice-captain for the South Africa series.

Bumrah, on the other hand, didn't make a big deal out of Kohli's departure.

He said, “We understand the change. All of us have played enough cricket. As a team, we will make positive contributions.”

“It’s his decision. He knows his body. He knows his frame of mind. We respect that. It’s been a pleasure to play under his captaincy. I made my debut under him.”