Rohit Sharma is front-runner to lead India in Tests, sad to see Virat Kohli resign as captain: Shane Warne

Australia spin great Shane Warne said that limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma is the front-runner to replace Virat Kohli as the next India Test captain.

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne opened up on Virat Kohli's decision to leave India's Test captaincy, saying he was not surprised by the star batter's decision. Warner further said that Rohit Sharma is the frontrunner to become the leader of the Indian Test side.

"I was not surprised with Virat's decision because being the captain of India has so much pressure and expectation. Virat is such an inspiration to so many people, he is an inspirational leader and I am sad to see him resign as captain and step down. He is still playing Test cricket and he still believes that it is the number one form of the game," Warne told news agency ANI.

Further talking about the captaincy prospects, Warne said: "Rohit has done a good job in shorter formats, so he will be the favourite to lead the side. KL Rahul could do it, I would love to say Rahane, but he has lost form. If Rahane is in form or he finds that form again, then he can do it. He is a very good captain. India is lucky to have so many options but I think Rohit will get the captaincy."

Warne further explained why he does not want Rishabh Pant to take over as the next India captain, saying he believes a wicketkeeper makes a good deputy but not a good skipper.

"I do not believe a wicketkeeper (Rishabh Pant) should be a captain, I believe a wicketkeeper makes a good deputy, a good vice-captain. Looking at the Indian side, Jasprit Bumrah can make a good captain, Rohit Sharma can make a good captain," Warne further said.