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Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, THIS 31 year Star Indian player set to LEAD India in England

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31-year-old star Indian player, not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, set to lead India in England.

India vs England 2025, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, BCCI, Cricket, cricket news, latest cricket news, ICC Champions Trophy 2025,
Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, THIS 31 year Star Indian player set to LEAD India in England.(Pic Credit-X)

New Delhi: Jasprit Bumrah is considered a leading contender to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain, but his long-term suitability remains uncertain due to ongoing fitness issues, including a recent back spasm that has raised doubts about his participation in next month’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the Indian selectors are hopeful he can still play a role in the tournament, questions about his ability to serve as a permanent Test captain linger, especially as Rohit’s tenure seems to be nearing its end. Should Bumrah be fit and ready to lead in England, selectors, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, will need to identify a capable vice-captain to step in if the need arises.

Currently, the options for India’s Test captaincy appear to be limited to two main contenders: Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Pant emerging as the most suitable candidate for the role. During a recent BCCI review meeting attended by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Rohit Sharma, discussions centered around Bumrah’s ongoing back issues.

Following the meeting, it seems highly unlikely that Rohit will be available for the five-Test series in England, leaving Jasprit Bumrah as the likely captain for the first Test at Headingley, assuming his fitness issues are resolved in time.

The back spasm that sidelined Bumrah during the final Test has cast doubt on his ability to stay fit for extended periods, especially considering the intense workload he faces as the primary pace bowler in Tests and his duties in ICC white-ball tournaments. With the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from June 2025 to June 2027, the selectors may be keen to have a reliable backup plan in place, especially with Bumrah now in his 30s. This could involve grooming another strong candidate for leadership, someone who could step in as vice-captain if needed.

Former national selector Devang Gandhi emphasized the importance of identifying key players based on performance data. He pointed out that while Bumrah has been pivotal, Rishabh Pant, with his 43 Tests and match-winning abilities, especially at the Gabba, is an ideal candidate for vice-captain. Pant’s contributions to the team, both as a player and a trusted leader in the dressing room, make him a natural choice, Gandhi argued.

Deep Dasgupta, another former India keeper, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Bumrah’s fitness and workload would be an ongoing challenge. Given the need for Bumrah in both Tests and ICC events, including the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup, the management will need to carefully balance his workload. With the IPL adding further strain, a strong vice-captain, like Pant, is essential for ensuring the team’s leadership is well-rounded and resilient. Both Dasgupta and Gandhi agreed that Yashasvi Jaiswal should not be burdened with the vice-captaincy, as he is still in the process of establishing himself as a key batsman and leader in the future.




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