Should Bumrah Be Appointed As Test Captain?
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Synopsis
As the Indian cricket team seeks a new leader after Rohit Sharma's retirement, Sunil Gavaskar champions Jasprit Bumrah for the captaincy. With concerns over Bumrah's workload, Gavaskar believes that as captain, Bumrah could manage his fitness better. Could this be the right move for Indian cricket's future?
Key Takeaways
- Bumrah is a leading candidate for Indian Test captaincy.
- Concerns about his workload and fitness have been raised.
- Sunil Gavaskar advocates for Bumrah's appointment as captain.
- Bumrah's leadership could improve his performance management.
- India achieved its largest Test victory under Bumrah's captaincy.
Mumbai, May 13 (NationPress) As the national selectors deliberate on selecting a new captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket, cricketing icon and prominent commentator Sunil Gavaskar has recommended that the leadership role be entrusted to pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah stands as a leading candidate, alongside K.L. Rahul and Shubman Gill, to take over from Rohit. Concerns regarding his fitness and workload as the frontline bowler for the Indian team have been highlighted, especially given his history of injuries during crucial series.
Having captained India in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy a few months ago, he had to withdraw from the fifth Test in Sydney due to lower back issues. Following extensive treatment and rehabilitation, he made his return only after the initial matches of the IPL 2025.
One major factor contributing to Bumrah's recurring injuries is the perception that he is often over-bowled, given his participation in all three formats. However, Gavaskar believes that appointing Bumrah as captain could alleviate concerns regarding his bowling workload.
"Who better to understand his own workload than Bumrah himself? If someone else is in charge, they may always push him for extra overs. As the team's key bowler, he will be aware of when he needs to rest. In my view, it should be Jasprit Bumrah," Gavaskar remarked on Sports Today.
He dismissed the ongoing worries about Bumrah's workload, suggesting that as captain, Bumrah would have the autonomy to manage his bowling overs. "I’m aware of the speculation around his workload. If he is the captain, he will know how many overs he can bowl and when to take a break. That would be ideal," Gavaskar asserted.
"Bumrah might not have to skip a Test match. If entrusted with the captaincy, he would understand his limits before facing any physical decline. For me, it’s a straightforward choice. After the first Test, there’s an eight-day break, providing ample time for recovery. Then, two consecutive Tests follow, and there’s another gap. If he’s captain, he’ll know when to bowl effectively," he added.
Bumrah led India to a resounding 295-run victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, marking India’s largest win by runs against Australia. He also captained India during the Birmingham Test on their last tour of England when Rohit was unavailable.
Point of View
It is crucial for the Indian cricket team to consider Jasprit Bumrah for captaincy. Given his experience and understanding of the game, he could effectively manage his workload while leading the team. As an unbiased observer, it is clear this decision could benefit both Bumrah and the team as a whole.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jasprit Bumrah considered for captaincy?
Jasprit Bumrah is viewed as a strong candidate for captaincy due to his performance and understanding of the game. Sunil Gavaskar believes that as captain, Bumrah can better manage his bowling workload.
What concerns exist regarding Bumrah's workload?
Bumrah has faced injuries in the past, leading to concerns about being over-bowled. Gavaskar suggests that if he were captain, he could control his own bowling overs more effectively.
What did Bumrah achieve as captain in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Under Bumrah's captaincy, India secured a remarkable 295-run victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking their largest win over Australia by runs.
What impact could Bumrah's captaincy have on his performance?
Bumrah's captaincy might allow him to better manage his fitness and performance, potentially reducing the risk of injury and improving his overall contributions to the team.
Has Bumrah captained the team before?
Yes, Bumrah captained India in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and during the Birmingham Test in England when Rohit Sharma was unavailable.
