This 31-Year-Old Indian Player to Lead Team India in England: Guess Who?

New Delhi: With Rohit Sharma's tenure as India's Test captain potentially coming to an end, Jasprit Bumrah is emerging as a top contender to take on the leadership role. However, concerns about his long-term fitness continue to linger, with a recent back spasm casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. While the Indian selectors are optimistic about his participation in the tournament, there are doubts about his ability to sustainably lead the Test team. If Bumrah is deemed fit to lead the team in England, selectors, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, will need to have a capable vice-captain in place to step in if necessary. This decision will be crucial as India looks to transition to a new era of leadership in Test cricket.

Currently, the options for India’s Test captaincy appear to be limited to two main contenders: Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Pant emerging as the most suitable candidate for the role. During a recent BCCI review meeting attended by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Rohit Sharma, discussions centered around Bumrah’s ongoing back issues.

Following the meeting, it seems highly unlikely that Rohit will be available for the five-Test series in England, leaving Jasprit Bumrah as the likely captain for the first Test at Headingley, assuming his fitness issues are resolved in time.

The back spasm that sidelined Bumrah during the final Test has cast doubt on his ability to stay fit for extended periods, especially considering the intense workload he faces as the primary pace bowler in Tests and his duties in ICC white-ball tournaments. With the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from June 2025 to June 2027, the selectors may be keen to have a reliable backup plan in place, especially with Bumrah now in his 30s. This could involve grooming another strong candidate for leadership, someone who could step in as vice-captain if needed.

Former national selector Devang Gandhi emphasized the importance of identifying key players based on performance data. He pointed out that while Bumrah has been pivotal, Rishabh Pant, with his 43 Tests and match-winning abilities, especially at the Gabba, is an ideal candidate for vice-captain. Pant’s contributions to the team, both as a player and a trusted leader in the dressing room, make him a natural choice, Gandhi argued.

Deep Dasgupta, another former India keeper, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Bumrah’s fitness and workload would be an ongoing challenge. Given the need for Bumrah in both Tests and ICC events, including the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup, the management will need to carefully balance his workload. With the IPL adding further strain, a strong vice-captain, like Pant, is essential for ensuring the team’s leadership is well-rounded and resilient. Both Dasgupta and Gandhi agreed that Yashasvi Jaiswal should not be burdened with the vice-captaincy, as he is still in the process of establishing himself as a key batsman and leader in the future.