New Delhi: Rohit Sharmas future as Indias Test captain appears uncertain following a disappointing performance in Australia where the team suffered a 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India also faced a heavy defeat against New Zealand at home in the previous series. The teams decline under Rohit combined with his own struggles with the bat has led the BCCI to explore potential future leaders. Rohit chose to leave himself out of the playing XI for the fifth Test against Australia but rejected calls for retirement expressing his intention to play in the Test series against England. His spot in the squad remains uncertain and his chances largely depend on his and the teams performance in the ICC Champions Trophy. Even if he makes it to the England series it is unlikely that he will stay on for the next WTC final. The BCCI however has already started considering other options. Jasprit Bumrah was initially viewed as a leading candidate for the captaincy but concerns about his fitness and workload may prevent him from taking on the role as captains are expected to be available for most series. Shubman Gill was another potential choice but his form in Test cricket has been inconsistent. Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal have now emerged as possible alternatives for the Test leadership. While Pant has enough experience in leadership roles Jaiswal is relatively new to the idea though the BCCI is reportedly keen on developing him for a future leadership role given his promising performances in Tests. Bumrahs chances of a long Test series or completing a full season will always be in doubt. The selectors may want a more stable option. Gill has been seen as a captaincy prospect but his returns in Test cricket have been average. Rishabh Pant could also be a strong candidate and maybe someone like Yashashvi Jaiswal can be groomed for the role a source was quoted as saying in a TOI report. The report also mentions that the BCCI may consider handing the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill who has solidified his spot in the team through consistent and impressive performances. However Gill might face competition from Hardik Pandya for the role. Pandya who previously led the Gujarat Titans in the IPL could challenge Gill for the captaincy with reports suggesting that Hardiks leadership experience is being considered.There have also been some discussions around Hardik Pandya being given the responsibility given his experience said a Times of India report. Hardik captained India in T20Is from 2022 to 2024 but lost the role to Suryakumar Yadav due to concerns over his fitness. New India head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly leaning towards a captain who can play in most matches influencing the decision.