Sunil Gavaskar has strongly endorsed Jasprit Bumrah as the future Test captain of the Indian cricket team, highlighting his leadership qualities that make him stand out. Bumrah led India to a 295-run victory in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. against Australia in Perth.
The world-class pacer was given the captaincy in the fifth and final Test but was injured in the first innings and could not bowl in the second innings as Australia won the New Year Test by six wickets to win the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Sydney.
Sunil Gavaskar backs Jasprit Bumrah as India’s future Test captain
Ahead of the Australian tour, Jasprit Bumrah made his India 2022 captaincy debut during the Test match against England in Birmingham after Rohit Sharma failed to recover from COVID-19 in time. He then became the first fast bowler to lead India since Kapil Dev, who last led India in 1987.
Bumrah has been handed the captaincy of India again in 2023 for India’s visit to Ireland for the three-match T20I series. Under his leadership, India won the series 2-0, with the third match abandoned due to rain in Ireland. So far, Bumrah has won three international matches, lost one and failed to score in one as India’s captain.
He has a very good look of a leader: Sunil Gavaskar on Jasprit Bumrah
Meanwhile, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised Jasprit Bumrah for leading the side from the front in Australia, displaying a natural aura of authority without putting undue pressure on his teammates. Notably, Bumrah has been named India’s vice-captain for the BGT 2024-25 in Australia.
Sunil Gavaskar said on 7Cricket: “He could be the next man; I think he will be the next man because he leads from the front. He has a very good look, the look of a leader, but not someone who will put pressure on you. Sometimes you have captains who put a lot of pressure on you.”
I won’t be surprised if he takes over very soon: Sunil Gavaskar
The former Indian captain believes that Bumrah’s calm and composed approach makes him the ideal candidate to take over as Test captain soon. According to Gavaskar, Bumrah’s excellent communication with the fast bowlers and his ability to lead them off the field, whether at mid-on or in the middle, further enhances his leadership potential. With these outstanding qualities, Gavaskar predicted that Bumrah could soon be named India’s next captain.
Sunil Gavaskar signed off by saying, “You can see with Bumrah that he expects others to do what their job is, why they are in the national team, but he doesn’t seem to put pressure on anyone. And with the fast bowlers, he was absolutely brilliant, standing in the middle, in the middle and every time he was just there to tell them. I think he’s been absolutely brilliant and I won’t be surprised if he takes over very soon.”
“He has a very good look, the look of a leader…
“I think he’s been absolutely brilliant and I won’t be surprised if he takes over very quickly.”
Sunil Gavaskar on captain Jasprit Bumrah 🗣 pic.twitter.com/s3TZnoKquR
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 8, 2025
Namely, Bumrah suffered a back spasm during the Test in Sydney, and is uncertain for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bumrah reportedly consulted with Dr. Rowan Schouten, an orthopedic surgeon from New Zealand, regarding his latest injury. The surgeon is in contact with the BCCI medical team, and the national team selectors are expected to be informed about the situation soon.
