In the cricketing world, the choice of India’s next Test captain is a topic of intense debate as the selectors prepare for the upcoming five-Test series against England starting on 20th June. While Shubman Gill is often seen as the leading candidate to succeed Rohit Sharma, seasoned cricketer R. Ashwin has suggested that other potential leaders like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja should not be ignored.
Ashwin, during a conversation with former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan on his YouTube channel, remarked, “First of all, everyone is saying that Gill is the captain. Everyone is going in that direction. But there is a loud option in Jasprit Bumrah, and why do we forget about Ravindra Jadeja.” He posits that easing Gill into the role by having him learn under experienced players could be beneficial: “If you are willing to go for a new person as captain, I would say why not make him [Gill] an understudy of an experienced guy for two years before handing him the job on a full-time basis.”
Ravindra Jadeja, having amassed 3370 runs and 323 wickets in 80 Tests, is currently the most seasoned player following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, Jadeja lacks experience in Test captaincy, while Bumrah has briefly captained India in three Tests, including a recent appearance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ashwin continues, “I would say, why not get all three to four candidates and make them do a presentation and ask them each to detail the vision for the team. It happens in countries like Australia. Why won’t we go down that road?”
The notion of Bumrah taking on this leadership role stirs some concern due to his recent back injuries, but Ashwin emphasises, “Look at Pat Cummins, he also had a back stress fracture, but he is now captaining Australia in Tests and ODIs.” He adds, “Like that, Bumrah is our national treasure and he should be in the discussion.”
As the selectors deliberate, Ashwin’s comments introduce a broader perspective on potential leadership, underscoring the importance of experience alongside the promise of younger players. The coming weeks will reveal whether the suggestions prompt reconsideration or if the expected path prevails.
