Sachin Tendulkar’s refusing Team India captaincy has left the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a quandary ahead of Test series against Pakistan and Australia. As the selectors meet on Thursday in Mohali to discuss the new captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni apart, Dilip Vengsarkar & Co will also have names like Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly on the table. Dhoni remains the clear favourite because he’s already the captain of the one-day team and also because a certain members of the Board believe they need to look at the future now. However, Kumble is a strong contender too, because in Tests the team needs a leader with experience that the veteran leg-spinner has got in plenty. Ganguly’s captaincy record alone is enough to put everything else to rest, but the controversies that have surrounded him over the last two years seem to overshadow a lot of other successful aspects of his career. Laxman has been a pillar in India’s Test line-up for many years. However, in recent times, his form has been in doubt, and therefore his position in the eleven isn’t sure. “Dhoni and Kumble are definitely the favourites, but all these names will be certainly discussed in detail. At this moment, all I can say is that there’s going to be a healthy argument which is the best way to go forward,” a selector said. Ganguly and Laxman, when asked for their opinions, opted to remain silent saying that they “wouldn’t like to speak on the issue at all,” Kumble, however, has come out in the open, saying that he would certainly be “interested in the job.” While issues related to form, fitness and off-the-field incidents could overshadow the strengths that Ganguly and Laxman possess, Dhoni and Kumble will feature as the topmost contenders. Kumble remains the best available option among the senior members in the side and also a regular in the Test eleven. He is highly regarded for his tactical acumen and is also respected for his achievements. While he’s never got an opportunity to lead India, other than the fact that he once assisted Tendulkar during the latter’s second stint as skipper, Kumble has been highly recommended for the post by former coaches John Wright and Greg Chappell. Apart from making his intentions clear, saying “I’ll take over the job if I am asked to,” he’s also come forward to lead his state team Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, a sign, so to say.One thing that could go against him could be whether he would be a regular in the eleven against Australia. Only if the selectors are convinced that appointing a senior would mean looking back and not forward, will Dhoni be given the cap. While these individuals will be discussed in all seriousness, it’s not clear yet whether the final announcement will be made immediately or at a later stage. The new captain will be announced for the Test series against Pakistan and Australia.What they saidTENDULKAR ‘I don’t feel right about it at the moment’GANGULY ‘Wouldn’t like to speak on the issue at all’LAXMAN ‘No comments’KUMBLE ‘I’ll take up the job if I am asked to’
