After the Australia tour, discussions have intensified regarding the next captain of the Indian Test team. Both Rohit Sharma’s form and age are at the center of this discussion. After a poor performance in the Sydney Test and scoring only 31 runs in three matches with the bat, he ruled himself out of the last Test. India’s next Test series is in England in June 2025, and during this long gap, India will have to look for a new Test captain.
End of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy near?
Rohit Sharma has not been scoring runs in Test cricket for a long time. Considering his age, it is also less likely that he will try to regain form by playing domestic cricket. In such a situation, the Indian team management will have to be ready for the next Test captain.
Perth Test: Captaincy race and the rise of Bumrah
During the Australia tour, it was also discussed that in the absence of Rohit, many players were eyeing the captaincy during the Perth Test. A senior player had also expressed his desire to become captain. However, in that match, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took charge of the team and led India to the only win of the tour.
Sunil Gavaskar called Bumrah the next captain
Former Indian team captain and great player Sunil Gavaskar has advocated making fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah the next captain of the Indian Test team after Rohit Sharma. Gavaskar praised the special qualities of Bumrah’s leadership.
Speaking to 7 Cricket, Gavaskar said:
“Bumrah has the image of a leader. “He leads from the front and doesn’t put pressure on his teammates.”
Gavaskar believes that Bumrah’s leadership style is such that it gives players the opportunity to work independently.
Excellent leader for fast bowlers
During this, Gavaskar also told how Bumrah guided other fast bowlers by standing at mid-off and mid-on in the Perth Test.
“Bumrah can be seen that he expects his teammates to do their job and his presence in the team is for the same reason. He gave excellent guidance to the fast bowlers and his strategy was excellent.”
Bumrah’s captaincy style
Gavaskar said that Bumrah can be a captain who does not put unnecessary pressure on the players. He praised the fast bowler’s calm and precise leadership on the field:
“Some captains put too much pressure on their players. But Bumrah’s style is different. He gives players freedom by trusting their work.”
Way forward: Can Bumrah become captain?
The Indian team will have to take the captaincy decision till the England tour. Bumrah’s performance and his leadership abilities make him a strong contender. However, considering his fitness, the management will also have to take care of his workload.
