Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah Contend for India's Next Test Captaincy

The Race for India's Test Captaincy

Following Rohit Sharma's retirement, the competition for India's next Test captain is heating up, with top-order batsman Shubman Gill and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah emerging as the leading candidates.

Rohit, who is 38 years old, was excluded from the fifth Test in Sydney earlier this year due to a prolonged slump in form, and he officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday.

Bumrah, who led India to their sole victory in the Australia series during a match in Perth, is a favored option, although concerns about the injury risks associated with fast bowlers remain.

Anil Kumble, a former captain of India, has expressed his desire to see Bumrah take charge during the upcoming tour of England in June and July, with Gill serving as his deputy.

This five-match series will mark the beginning of India's new World Test Championship cycle.

Kumble stated, 'Perhaps just for this series against England, we should go with Bumrah and monitor his fitness.' He acknowledged the challenges faced by fast bowlers, noting Bumrah's previous injuries and his recent return to action in the IPL, yet he still supports Bumrah's captaincy. 'Every Indian would love to see Bumrah play all the Test matches, but his physical condition may not permit it. In such cases, the vice-captain will step in.'

At 31, Bumrah's workload may ultimately favor Gill, who has demonstrated his leadership skills by guiding the Gujarat Titans to the top of the IPL standings.

Gill, at just 25, is viewed as a long-term asset for the team, having already been appointed vice-captain in both white-ball formats.

Parthiv Patel, the assistant coach for Gujarat, has praised Gill's captaincy, stating, 'His presence in the dressing room is palpable, which is a key trait in a leader.' He added, 'On the field, he is very proactive and possesses excellent game awareness.'