Sunil Gavaskar Advocates for Jasprit Bumrah as India's Next Test Captain

Transition Phase for Team India

As Team India navigates a transitional period following the departures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, a significant question looms for the selectors: who will take on the role of the next Test captain? Recent reports suggest that Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the leading candidates for this pivotal position.

Sunil Gavaskar's Recommendation

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his belief that Shubman Gill should not be appointed as captain. Instead, he has put forth Jasprit Bumrah as the ideal choice to lead the team.

"Who better to understand his own workload than Bumrah himself? Appointing someone else might lead to them demanding more overs from him. As the top bowler, he knows when he needs a break. Therefore, I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be the captain. There has been much speculation about his workload, but giving him the captaincy would allow him to manage his overs effectively," Gavaskar stated during an interview on Sports Today.

Gavaskar's Confidence in Bumrah

"Bumrah might not have to miss any Test matches if he is in charge. He would be aware of when to take a step back before his body starts to wear down. After the first Test, there is an eight-day gap for recovery, followed by two consecutive matches, which is manageable. If he becomes captain, he will know best when to bowl," Gavaskar added.

Bumrah's Previous Leadership Experience

Jasprit Bumrah previously served as the vice-captain under Rohit Sharma during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, even leading the team to victory in the first Test in Perth when Sharma was unavailable. However, he faced a significant injury during that series, raising concerns about his fitness for a role that demands consistent performance.

Bumrah's Workload Considerations

Given these circumstances, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is proceeding cautiously, hesitant to assign captaincy responsibilities to Bumrah that could worsen his physical condition. This situation has led to Shubman Gill emerging as a strong contender for the captaincy. Reports indicate that Gill, known for his technical skills and potential as a long-term asset, has garnered attention from selectors due to his impressive temperament and growth.