'It will seem like I'm throwing in a wildcard' - R Ashwin names ideal candidate for India's Test captaincy

R ashwin speaking (Source: SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked all-rounder as a potential candidate to lead the national team in the Test format after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from red-ball cricket on May 7.

After Virat Kohli also retired from the longest format of the game on May 12, Jadeja became the most experienced player in the Indian Test team. Ashwin believes that Jadeja could be used as a transitional captain for two years, giving a younger player the chance to hone his skills in the meantime.

"Let's not forget, Jadeja is the most experienced player in the team. He should be in the conversation. If you're willing to train a new guy for two years and then make him captain, Jadeja can do that for two years too. They (India) can even play him as vice-captain (under Jadeja). It will seem like I'm throwing in a wildcard," Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat.

A leader should know what's happening in first-class cricket too: R Ashwin

As per various reports, Shubman Gill is one of the frontrunners to become India's new Test captain. Ashwin feels that the 25-year-old's transition to captaincy will be easier if he can lead Gujarat Titans to the Indian Premier League (IPL) title this year. However, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner said that whoever becomes the new Test captain will have to follow first-class cricket.

"I hope Gujarat Titans qualify for the IPL playoffs. If Gill gains honour there, it might make his transition to leadership easier. But captaincy, especially in Tests, is not about one good season. A leader should know what's happening in first-class cricket too," he added.

Gill has led India in five T20Is. These games were played in Harare last year against Zimbabwe and India won 4-1. Meanwhile, Jadeja has never led India in any format. Gill is already India's vice-captain in ODI cricket, and if reports are to be believed, it is only a matter of time before he is unveiled as the new Test skipper.