VVS Laxman: The Perennial Vice-Captain
Very, Very Special Laxman was a pillar of India's famed Test batting lineup for over a decade. Known for his sublime wristy strokeplay and calm temperament under pressure, Laxman was a trusted lieutenant to captains like Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.
He possessed a sharp cricketing brain and was a master at turning matches, often batting with the tail to secure improbable victories, most famously his 281 against Australia in 2001. Despite his credentials and playing 134 Tests, he never got the opportunity to lead the national side, even on a temporary basis. His era coincided with a golden generation of leaders, and by the time a long-term successor was sought, the selectors looked towards the younger MS Dhoni. Laxman did, however, captain the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural IPL season.
Yuvraj Singh: The Big-Match Powerhouse
Yuvraj Singh was arguably one of India's greatest-ever white-ball cricketers, a man who consistently delivered on the biggest stage. He was the Player of the Tournament in both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup victories. Possessing natural flair and an aggressive instinct, Yuvraj was appointed vice-captain of the ODI team between 2007 and 2008. Many considered him a frontrunner for the top job after Rahul Dravid's resignation. However, in a move that surprised many, MS Dhoni was elevated to the captaincy for the inaugural T20 World Cup. According to Yuvraj himself, his backing of Sachin Tendulkar during the infamous Greg Chappell era may have cost him the captaincy, as it reportedly didn't sit well with some board officials. Dhoni's subsequent success cemented his position, and Yuvraj, despite his on-field heroics, never got to lead India.
Gautam Gambhir: The Undefeated Leader
While Gautam Gambhir did captain India, it was only for a brief six-match ODI stint, which hardly does justice to his proven leadership skills. He boasts a flawless 100% win record in those matches, leading a young team to a 5-0 series whitewash against New Zealand in 2010. Gambhir was a fierce competitor and a shrewd tactician, qualities he demonstrated emphatically in the Indian Premier League. He transformed the Kolkata Knight Riders, leading them to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. As a player, he was a big-match performer, top-scoring in the finals of both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. His time, however, coincided with the peak of MS Dhoni's captaincy, leaving no room for a long-term leadership role for the gritty Delhi opener.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The Modern-Day Strategist
Ravichandran Ashwin is widely regarded as one of the sharpest cricketing minds of his generation. A master of spin and a valuable lower-order batsman, his analytical approach to the game is evident in his bowling and his articulate commentary. Ashwin has significant captaincy experience, having led Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL and Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, whom he guided to a title. Despite being a senior figure and India's second-highest Test wicket-taker, he was never appointed captain or even vice-captain of the national team. The preference for batters in leadership roles and his status as a specialist who wasn't always a guaranteed starter in overseas Tests likely played a part in him being overlooked for the top job.
