Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan believes Rohit Sharma should be leading the Test side versus Australia post the series opener in Adelaide when regular captain Virat Kohli returns home on paternity leave.
While middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane remains the designated vice-captain and has overseen victories whenever he has had to step-up, Irfan said Rohit has the experience of taking India to Asia Cup title, besides other limited-overs series and four IPL trophies.
"Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience," he told PTI. "His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury."
"There is nothing more dangerous for the opposition than a hungry Rohit Sharma. Playing abroad is always a tough challenge but when Rohit is in form conditions don't matter."
"As an opener, he can play the same role that Sehwag did in the 2004 series and can win you games. (Cheteshwar) Pujara's role becomes even more important at number three as he will be the glue holding everyone together and see off the new ball. Rahane will be my number four in Kohli's absence," Irfan added.
Irfan respects Kohli's decision as he is set to become a father for the first time in early January but said his absence for three Tests will definitely have a "huge impact" on the series.
"Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important," he said.
"On the field it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions."
"Virat not being there will make Australians feel a lot more comfortable but we have got a great bowling line up and if our batsmen can do the job, it will be an interesting series."
"I still feel we have a good team but Virat will be missed. They have one of the best pact attacks and don't forget Smith and Warner are back. I would like to predict the outcome of the series after the warm-up game," Irfan added.
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on December 17.
