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Indian cricket faces a significant transition as it prepares for the demanding five-Test series against England, set to commence on June 20. The landscape of the team has been dramatically altered by the Test retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, creating an immediate void in leadership.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals who should captain India on England tour
Amidst intense debate over who should steer the team in the longest format, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who himself recently retired from international cricket, has weighed in, endorsing pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as a deserving candidate, while adding a crucial caveat regarding his physical capacity.
Speaking on his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin addressed the surprising developments, acknowledging the simultaneous departures of Rohit and Kohli. He termed this period a “testing time” for Indian cricket, marking what he sees as the true beginning of the ‘Gautam Gambhir era’, referencing the new head coach’s first major challenge at the helm of the Test side.
With the team set for significant changes, Ashwin highlighted Bumrah’s elevated status and experience within the likely squad that will travel to England. He pointed to Bumrah’s seniority as a key factor in the upcoming setup, positioning him as a natural option for the captaincy role.
“The team that will tour England will be a completely new team, a transformed team where Bumrah will probably be the senior-most player,” Ashwin stated, underscoring the potential shift in team composition and hierarchy. Based on this, Ashwin offered his clear support for the fast bowler taking on the leadership mantle. “He is obviously one of the captaincy options; I think he deserves the captaincy, but the selectors will take a decision based on his physical capacity,” he added.
Ashwin openly acknowledged the selectors’ likely considerations regarding the demanding nature of pace bowling and its impact on a player’s physical resilience, especially across a five-Test series. Bumrah, while undoubtedly a world-class performer and leader, has a history of injuries that require careful management.
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India’s Test squad for England tour to be announced soon
Bumrah has previously served as the team’s vice-captain and has led India in a Test match in challenging overseas conditions, demonstrating his leadership potential on the field. His tactical insights and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong candidate. Yet, the sustainability of his fitness across an entire five-match series in England remains a pertinent point of discussion for the selection committee.
The Indian squad for the upcoming England series is anticipated to be announced later this month. The first Test is scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. The selectors face the crucial task of identifying a captain who can not only inspire a potentially revamped squad but also navigate the physical and mental demands of a gruelling series.
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