Debate Over India's Next Test Captain
With Rohit Sharma's departure from Test cricket, discussions regarding India’s next Test captain have intensified, particularly as the team gears up for a challenging five-match series against England starting June 20.
Leading Contenders for Captaincy
Shubman Gill is emerging as a strong contender for the captaincy role, with reports indicating that he is favored over pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Gill's capacity for leadership is being scrutinized in light of Bumrah’s ongoing fitness issues, which have hindered his availability in recent months.
Opinions on Leadership Choices
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns about Gill's suitability for captaincy, suggesting that Bumrah, despite his injury record, should be considered for the leadership role. Manjrekar emphasized that availability should not be the sole criterion for captaincy, arguing that skills and deservingness should take precedence, especially in Test matches.
Views from Former Coaches
Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, also weighed in, proposing that both Gill and Rishabh Pant are appropriate candidates due to their youth and experience leading IPL teams. Shastri remarked that while Bumrah would have been a natural choice under different circumstances, he should be shielded from the pressures of captaincy to avoid jeopardizing his performance as a bowler.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares for the series against England, the debate over the captaincy continues, with various stakeholders offering their insights. The final decision will ultimately shape the direction of the team as it looks to enhance its standings in the World Test Championship.
