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After the Australia tour, the biggest debate in Indian cricket at the moment is who will be the next captain of the Test team after Rohit Sharma. This question has become even more relevant due to poor form and age. India’s next Test series will be on the England tour in June 2025, and the team management will have to look for a new captain during this long gap.
Rohit Sharma: Questions on poor form and leadership
Rohit Sharma’s performance on the Australia tour was disappointing. He scored only 31 runs in three Test matches and was out of the last Test (Sydney). He now has no competition for form in red ball cricket, and chances are slim that he will play in domestic cricket. Considering his age, the Indian team will have to prepare a new leader for the future.
Captaincy race: discussion of Australia tour
During the Australia tour, it was reported that some players expressed their desire to captain in the Perth Test in Rohit’s absence. A senior player also expressed his interest in leadership. However, in that match, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took command of the team and gave India the only win of the series.
Sunil Gavaskar told Bumrah the right option
Former Indian captain and cricket expert Sunil Gavaskar believes that Jasprit Bumrah should be made the Test captain of Team India after Rohit Sharma.
Speaking to 7 Cricket, he praised Bumrah’s leadership abilities. He said:
“Bumrah has the image of a leader. He leads the team from the front. But he is not a person who puts pressure on his teammates.”
Bumrah’s captaincy style
Gavaskar said that the biggest quality of Bumrah’s captaincy is that he gives freedom to the players.
“Many captains put too much pressure on their players. But Bumrah does not do this. He expects others to do their work and that is why they are part of the team.”
He also talked about how Bumrah guides other fast bowlers by standing at mid-off and mid-on.
“Bumrah is a great leader for the fast bowlers. Standing at mid-off and mid-on, he helps his fellow bowlers every time.”
Is Bumrah ready?
Gavaskar believes that Bumrah is fully prepared and it will not be surprising if he is given the command of the team soon. His calm nature and ability to trust the players make him worthy of becoming a captain.
Way forward: Decision on captaincy till England tour
The Indian team management will have to resolve the question of captaincy before the England tour in June 2025. Considering Rohit Sharma’s age and form, Jasprit Bumrah’s name is being seriously considered.