With the retirement of Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, India now faces a major decision on who should take over the captaincy in the longest format of the game. While names like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah are being widely discussed as leading contenders, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has introduced another possibility into the mix.
In a discussion on his YouTube channel with former Tamil Nadu cricketer Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, R Ashwin addressed the growing speculation. He acknowledged that Shubman Gill is being seen as the front-runner but questioned why the conversation hasn’t also included someone like Ravindra Jadeja, who brings vast experience and a strong presence on the field.
Ravichandran Ashwin feels that although Shubman Gill is a promising player, he hasn’t yet made his mark in the Test format the way he has in ODIs. Therefore, instead of handing him the leadership immediately, Ashwin suggests that a better approach would be to have him learn under a more seasoned captain for a couple of years before taking on the full-time role.
He also recommended a more structured process for selecting the next leader. Ashwin believes that all serious candidates should be invited to share their vision for the team, something that countries like Australia have successfully done. He suggested asking all the candidates to present their ideas through powerpoint presentations as it could give the selectors a clearer picture of each individual’s leadership qualities and plans.
When it comes to Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwin pointed to the Australian skipper Pat Cummins as proof that fast bowlers can indeed make effective captains. However, he emphasised the importance of fitness in Jasprit Bumrah’s case. Given his recent injury on the tour of Australia and the upcoming five-match Test series in England, there are concerns about whether Jasprit Bumrah can consistently be available for such long stretches.
R Ashwin insisted that Jasprit Bumrah should at least be seriously considered. Despite his previous back injury, Ashwin believes Jasprit Bumrah has what it takes to lead, if he feels confident about playing all five Tests and managing the demands of captaincy. According to Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah’s name deserves to be at the top of the list.
As of now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made an official announcement regarding the next Test captain but a decision is expected soon.
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