After India’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded tournament Granica-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar made a compelling case for the current superstar in the India to be appointed as the next permanent captain of the Indian Test team. This comes amid increasing scrutiny over the leadership and performance of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohliwho have faced criticism for their unconvincing contributions with the bat.
A change in leadership dynamics
Manjrekar’s endorsement of the speedster is particularly significant given the context of India’s recent struggles. After losing the series to Australia 1-3, questions arose over Rohit’s future as captain, especially given his poor form—he managed just 31 runs in five innings in the series. Manjrekar noted that Rohit’s decision to sit out the Test due to form issues further complicates his position as a leader. In contrast, India’s bowling sensation Jasprit BumrahHis short time as captain during the two Tests in Australia showed his potential, despite current injury concerns.
READ ALSO: Mohammad Kaif warns against appointing Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Test captain
Manjrekar picks his pick to captain India
Manjrekar articulated his rationale at ESPNcricinfostating, “It’s pointless to me. The next Test series is in England and Bumrah has to be the Test captain. Rohit Sharma didn’t do enough as a batsman considering the loss to NZ at home, plus he was dropped from the playing 11 because he didn’t fit. There is too much uncertainty around him and I think Bumrah is at the top of his game. There was nothing in the Australian series that we saw where he wasn’t captaincy material.”
He emphasized that Bumrah’s abilities as a bowler and his recent performances show that he is ready for the responsibility of captaincy. While acknowledging concerns about Bumrah’s fitness—he sat out the final Test in Sydney due to injury—Manjrekar suggested a strategic approach where Bumrah could selectively participate in less critical bilateral series, thereby managing his workload effectively.
“When he is unfit or absent, we will think about who will lead the team next. There is so much international cricket going on. You have to see and choose which ones to play. He can rest in the bilateral in the domestic series. Pick your major series and make Bumrah the captain in them,Manjrekar added
Bumrah’s leadership during the Perth Test, where India secured victory, showed his potential to lead the team successfully. Manjrekar believes that with careful planning, Bumrah can lead India in top series without compromising his health or performance.
Navigating team selection challenges
Along with advocating for Bumrah’s captaincy, Manjrekar also highlighted the importance of selecting a capable vice-captain who not only deserves on merit, but is also capable of stepping up when needed. He expressed uncertainty about who should fill this role, but emphasized that it should be someone whose performance warrants inclusion in the playing XI.
The former cricketer pointed out that discussions about players like Shubman Gill promotion to leadership roles should be based on their current form and contribution to the team.
“The choice of vice-captain is important, I have no idea who it will be. But I know there are guys who shouldn’t be. There are guys who would like to be that, but the first thing you want is for the vice-captain to make the team based on their performances. There was talk of Shubman Gill coming in as vice-captain for Australia, but look how that changed,” he concluded, indicating that leadership roles should reflect meritocracy, not mere potential.
As India prepares for the upcoming Test series against England, the call-up of Bumrah as captain represents a significant shift in strategy and leadership philosophy. With Rohit’s future uncertain and senior players under pressure, Manjrekar’s endorsement of Bumrah could herald a new era for Indian cricket – one that values performance and adaptability over tradition.
READ ALSO: S. Badrinath questions Shubman Gill’s selection in Indian team; throws out angry remarks about his hitting problems
