Jasprit Bumrah could replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to be eyeing fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit Sharma's successor in the Test format.
This comes amid talks of managing Bumrah's workload and him not playing in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
The decision was taken by Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI chairman of selectors, after examining a report from the National Cricket Academy's medical team headed by Nitin Patel.
Here's more.
Leadership prospects
Bumrah's fitness and leadership potential influence decision
The medical report stated that although there were no problems with Bumrah's recent scans, he hadn't returned to full-intensity bowling yet.
With the ICC Champions Trophy just a week away, the selectors and team management didn't want to take any risks.
This was not just due to Bumrah's skills and ability as a fast bowler, but also his leadership potential.
Transition phase
Rohit Sharma's Test career and Bumrah's captaincy
"It is understood that the main bone of contention was that Bumrah is yet to start bowling full tilt. Rather, he can come back for Mumbai Indians and then lead India in England, as Rohit Sharma is unlikely to be picked for Tests again," a report by PTI stated.
According to the report, Bumrah, the current Test vice-captain, is set to lead from England tour in June-July.
This move suggests a significant shift in India's Test cricket leadership strategy.
Captaincy record
Bumrah's previous captaincy stints and future plans
Bumrah has previously captained India in three Test matches in Rohit's absence.
Despite India's loss in the 2022 Birmingham Test against England, he displayed strong leadership skills.
Meanwhile, he also guided India to victory in his second stint as captain, leading the team in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in Perth.
Performance dip
Rohit's form and future in Test cricket
Rohit struggled in Test cricket in 2024, averaging below 25 and recording more single-digit scores than ever.
Meanwhile, since winning the T20 World Cup, his form has been inconsistent, particularly in Tests.
While he hasn't announced retirement from any format, discussions about his future seem to be underway within the board.
However, in 2024, Rohit scored just 619 runs in 14 Tests, (26 innings) at 24.76.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he managed two tons and as many fifties in these Tests.
Award
Jasprit Bumrah adjudged ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year
India's premier pace spearhead, Bumrah was adjudged the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024.
The award came after Bumrah had an outstanding year across formats, especially Test cricket.
His brilliant bowling helped India stay afloat for the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship final.
Although India lost to Australia, he finished as the highest wicket-taker of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Meanwhile, Bumrah finished as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket (2024), with an incredible 71 wickets from 13 matches.
Stats
Bumrah owns 200+ Test scalps
The Indian bowling star has featured in 45 Tests, (86 innings). Meanwhile, he has bagged 205 wickets at an average of 19.40.
Additionally, he also owns 13 five-wicket hauls alongside his best innings figures of 6/27, (vs West Indies) and best match figures of 9/86, (vs Australia).
As mentioned he was also the highest wicket-taker in the BGT, with 32 scalps in nine innings at 13.06.