In the recently concluded World Test Championship cycle, India had as many as five different captains leading them across 19 Test matches. In the previous edition, they had just two.

Successful sides are mostly settled units with a settled leadership group that envisions plans for the team, executes them, is accountable for them, and in general takes the team forward even as there are changes to personnel around it. But when the leadership group itself is part of a game of musical chairs, things become challenging.

That India managed to come as far as they did despite this musical chair of captaincy in this WTC deserves appreciation, but the defeat in the final has opened the can of worms again. With Rohit’s age and fitness being a concern, India may have to start looking for a new Test captain soon.

Here are the six candidates that India can look towards – assuming Virat Kohli is not an option.

Rishabh Pant

Pant is currently far off from playing cricket, recovering from the life-threatening accident he suffered six months back. Before that, he was India’s best batter in Test cricket for the last couple of years. He has led Delhi in first-class cricket before turning 20; Delhi Capitals in the IPL for two seasons; and India in T20Is.

He is yet to establish himself as a Test batter outside the subcontinent, having played only once and making 34 runs in two innings. He was bounced out by a 39-year-old James Anderson in that Test match. Not promising signs.

However, if Iyer is able to re-establish himself as a Test regular, he can seriously be considered for captaincy going forward.

Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane used to be Kohli’s trusted deputy during the latter’s stint as Test captain. He has led only five times, but India have won three of the Test matches, lost none, and were a wicket away from winning one of the two drawn Test matches.

His leadership credentials are well-known, with the 2020/21 Border Gavaskar Trophy victory being the crown jewel of his captaincy stint.

He would have made a fine successor for Kohli the Test captain, but an extended run of poor form finally resulted in him being dropped from the side. He was even stripped of a central contract and currently doesn’t hold one.

However, having recalled for the WTC final, he scored 135 runs across the two innings, the most by an Indian batter. That may signal a new dawn for him.

If he is able to hold on to his place for the time being and if India need a short-term captain – much like Anil Kumble – while India groom a new, young, potential captain, Rahane can be the man.