R Ashwin believes that other seasoned candidates like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are still valid choices for the position. Even though Shubman Gill is the clear favorite to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s next Test captain.
The lineup for India’s Five-Test series against England. Which begins on June 20, may be chosen in the last week of May. The selection process is dominated by discussions over a potential new captain.
“First of all, Gill is regarded as the captain by everyone. They’re all heading that way. But why do we overlook Ravindra Jadeja? Jasprit Bumrah is a noisy alternative,” Ashwin stated in a YouTube video interview with former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan. I would suggest that if you are open to hiring a new captain. Why not assign Gill as an experienced man’s understudy for two years before giving him a full-time position?
With 3370 runs and 323 wickets from 80 Test matches, Jadeja is the most seasoned player in the Indian squad following the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit from the game. However, Bumrah has only captained India in three Test matches, most recently in the opening and final Tests of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He has no prior experience as a Test cricket captain.
R. Ashwin
“Why don’t we gather all three or four candidates, have them give a presentation, and ask them to explain the team’s vision?” Ashwin said. “It takes place in nations like Australia. Why don’t we take that route?
Following the third BGT Test late last year, Ashwin announced his retirement from all cricket-related activities. He stated that Bumrah should also be given serious consideration and that his recent back issue shouldn’t be a barrier.
“Look at Pat Cummins, who is currently captaining Australia in Tests and ODIs after having a back stress fracture as well,” Ashwin said. In that sense, Bumrah is a national treasure and need to be discussed.
He needs to be questioned about his ability to play five Test matches. Can you serve as captain full-time? Although he had a stress fracture, I’m sure he’ll give it some thought. The cap bearing his name ought to be at the top of that ring, in my opinion.
