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The retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket has left Indian cricket at a crossroads, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee tasked with appointing a new leader for the longest format. While Shubman Gill appears to be the frontrunner, legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar has publicly advocated for fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah to take over the mantle, dismissing concerns about Bumrah’s workload and fitness. Gavaskar’s rationale is rooted in Bumrah’s unique understanding of his own body and his proven leadership qualities on the field.
Sunil Gavaskar advocates for Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Test captain
Gavaskar’s argument for Bumrah as Test captain is both pragmatic and insightful. He believes that no one understands a fast bowler’s workload better than the bowler himself. According to Gavaskar, if an external captain is at the helm, there is always a risk of over-bowling Bumrah, given his status as India’s premier strike bowler. However, as captain, Bumrah would have the autonomy to manage his spells, knowing precisely when to push and when to rest.
“Who better to know what is the workload for himself than himself? If you appoint somebody else, they would always want an extra over from Bumrah. If he is your No. 1 bowler, he will himself know that ‘yes, this is the time I must take a break’. To me, it has to be Jasprit Bumrah only… Give it to him so that he knows how many overs to bowl, when to take him off, when to sort of rest. That would be the best thing,” Gavaskar explained on Sports Today.
Gavaskar also points to the upcoming Test schedule, where gaps between matches would allow ample recovery time. He argues that if Bumrah is entrusted with the captaincy, he will be the best judge of his own limits, reducing the risk of injury from overexertion.
Also READ: Shubman Gill poised to take over as India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement
Bumrah’s proven leadership and unmatched resilience
Bumrah’s credentials as a leader are not just theoretical. He has already led India in Test cricket, notably steering the team to its only win in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Despite his injury setbacks, Bumrah’s performances have been nothing short of exceptional, often carrying the bowling attack single-handedly and displaying remarkable resilience and tactical acumen.
His ability to inspire teammates and deliver under pressure has set him apart as a once-in-a-generation cricketer. Gavaskar believes these qualities make Bumrah an ideal candidate for the captaincy, especially in a transitional phase for Indian cricket where stability and experience are paramount.
While the BCCI remains cautious due to Bumrah’s injury history, Gavaskar contends that the very responsibility of captaincy could lead to smarter workload management by Bumrah himself, potentially prolonging his career rather than jeopardizing it.
As the BCCI prepares to announce India’s next Test captain, Sunil Gavaskar’s endorsement of Jasprit Bumrah offers a compelling alternative to the popular choice of Shubman Gill. Gavaskar’s faith in Bumrah’s self-awareness, leadership skills, and cricketing intelligence presents a strong case for breaking the convention and entrusting the team’s future to a fast bowler who knows exactly when to strike-and when to rest.
Also READ: Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Comparison of two modern day greats’ captaincy records in Test cricket
