Jasprit Bumrah’s dream of Test captaincy ends, BCCI shortlists 2 new candidates for leadership
Indian national cricket team fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is the first contender to replace Rohit Sharma as the team captain in the longest format of the game. However, he may not be a long-term option due to injury problems, according to reports in PTI.
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is currently the vice-captain of the team and if they follow the protocol, he will be the next captain. He captained the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence in Perth and was also in charge when the regular captain came last.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in the Tests against England, not a long-term choice due to injury concerns
But after playing all the matches with most of the bowling in his hands, Jasprit Bumrah got injured in the last match of the series. Reports suggested that the fast bowler had swelling in his back and would even miss the league stage of the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
However, now that he is injured, this has raised a lot of questions within the selection commission chief whether Bumrah can be a permanent choice to lead India or not. For now, he appears to be the first choice and is expected to take office soon.
Reports claimed that if he is fit, Bumrah will lead the Indian national cricket team in Tests against England later this year. However, it may also lead to the selectors appointing a vice-captain who can take over if some unforeseen circumstances arise.
Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the two names that have emerged as co-captains of the team in Tests
Reports add that Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the two names that have emerged as co-captains of the team. However, it is learned that the wicketkeeper-batsman, who is also the captain in the IPL, seems best suited for the role of vice-captain.
Jasprit Bumrah’s injury in the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has created a school of thought as to whether the fast bowler can stay fit for long. He is also crucial for India in the white-ball games and given his workload, he may not lead the team for some time.
The selectors also had a plan B in mind, the vice-captain will be groomed under Jasprit Bumrah before taking charge
As there is no guarantee about Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, the selectors had a plan B in mind. Therefore, they could have another equally strong candidate for captain who could become vice-captain under the pacer, and then take over that role permanently.
It remains to be seen which of Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal will take over as vice-captain of the team. Both the players have been the best performers for the Indian national Test cricket team in recent times, after scoring a ton of runs for the team.
Also read: Steve Smith briefs Australian selectors on T20 comeback plan, targeting 2028 Olympics
