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India’s recent defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has raised the curtain on some serious questions with regards to the future of Indian cricket. One such important matter is the future leadership of the team. People within the cricketing community and beyond have raised the issue of looking beyond the leadership of the current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. However, his recent failures against New Zealand and a 1-3 thrashing from the Australia in BGT 2024-25 has made the questions over his leadership more pertinent than ever.
Sunil Gavaskar opens up on who should be the next captain of the Indian team
Former Indian skipper and legend Sunil Gavaskar had some interesting thoughts on the leadership role within the Indian team. Gavaskar, who was in Australia covering the 5-match Test series as a broadcaster recently highlighted the Indian player who according to him carries the personality of a leader and therefore is suitable to be the next captain of the Indian cricket team.
“With Bumrah, you can see that he expects the others to do what their job is and why they’re in the national team. But he doesn’t seem to pressurize anybody. And with the fast bowlers, he has been absolutely brilliant. Standing at mid-off, mid-on. Every time he was on hand to tell them and guide them. I think he was absolutely brilliant and I won’t be surprised if he takes over very soon,” Gavaskar said on Channel7 speaking about Jasprit Bumrah.
Additionally, Gavaskar pointed out the reason why he thinks Bumrah is the perfect person to lead the Indian team and the qualities he carries as a person which are crucial in a player to become the captain of the team.
“He could be the next man. I think he will be the next man. Because he leads from the front. He has got a very good air about him. The air of a leader. But not somebody who is going to put pressure on you. Sometimes you have captains who put a lot of pressure on you,” Gavaskar concluded.
Also Read: Steve Harmison expresses uncertainty over Sam Kontas’ Test career trajectory after theatrics in BGT 2024-25 against India
Indian star’s track record as the captain
The 31-year old Indian pacer led the Indian team recently during the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at Perth. The Indian team performed exceptionally well in the Test match and won convincingly against the Aussies by 295 runs. Bumrah was called to become the captain of the team for the second time during the final Test match after skipper Rohit opted to keep himself out of the match in Sydney. Bumrah continued his exceptional performance in Sydney and clinched 2 crucial wickets in the first Australian innings. However, the Indian pacer could not continue bowling for his team on the third day of the match due to a back spasm. This proved detrimental to the visitors as Australia managed to achieve the target of 162 runs for the loss of just 4 wickets to win the series.
