Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his support behind Jasprit Bumrah to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain, following a turbulent Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit Sharma’s decision to sit out of the final match against Australia, combined with his struggles during the series, has raised questions about the future of his Test leadership.
Rohit Sharma’s Tough Call
Rohit Sharma opted to drop himself from the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a move that has sparked discussions about his role as both an opening batter and captain. While Rohit clarified that the decision was not a permanent one, his form throughout the series left much to be desired. With India losing six of their last eight Test matches under his captaincy, including relinquishing a 12-year unbeaten home streak, his position has come under scrutiny.
Bumrah Steps Up
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star pacer, stepped in as a stand-in captain during the series, leading the team in the first Test at Perth and the final Test in Sydney. His leadership, combined with his exceptional bowling, earned him praise from cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar.
Speaking on Channel 7, Gavaskar said:
“Bumrah leads from the front and has a natural sense of leadership. He doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on his teammates but expects them to perform, understanding their responsibilities.”
A Stellar Series for Bumrah
Bumrah was India’s standout performer during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming 32 wickets in a remarkable individual effort. Under his captaincy, India secured their only victory of the series at Perth’s Optus Stadium, though they fell short of salvaging a draw in Sydney. Despite the challenges, Bumrah managed to balance his leadership responsibilities with maintaining his high standards as a bowler.
Gavaskar commended Bumrah’s effort, saying:
“He was absolutely brilliant, both as a captain and as a player. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes over as the permanent Test captain soon.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Rohit’s Test Future
As India gears up for the next World Test Championship cycle, questions loom over Rohit Sharma’s Test captaincy. While he is set to continue leading India in ODIs, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, his Test future remains unclear.
India’s management may explore a succession plan, with Bumrah emerging as a strong candidate. Whether Rohit will make a return during India’s upcoming tour of England remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting for a fresh direction in the Test arena.
The Road Ahead
With Bumrah showcasing his leadership potential and delivering stellar performances, India may be on the verge of a significant change in Test cricket. The coming months will determine whether the team opts for continuity under Rohit Sharma or embraces a new chapter with Jasprit Bumrah at the helm.
