Ashwin Backs Bumrah as Captaincy Race Heats Up After Rohit’s Test Retirement

With Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket last week, the Indian team finds itself at a pivotal crossroads as it prepares for a demanding five-match series in England. Amid growing speculation over who will lead the side, veteran off-spinner R. Ashwin has thrown his weight behind pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a “deserving” candidate for the role.

In the latest episode of his show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin emphasized Bumrah’s seniority and leadership credentials. “The team that will tour England will be a completely new team, a transformed team where Bumrah will probably be the senior-most player,” he said. “He is obviously one of the captaincy options; I think he deserves the captaincy, but the selectors will take a decision based on his physical capacity.”

Bumrah, who has battled multiple injury setbacks over the past two years, first captained India during the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston in 2022, stepping in when Rohit was ruled out with Covid-19. Despite India’s defeat in that match, Bumrah was lauded for his composed and tactical approach under pressure. More recently, he led India to a dominant 295-run victory against Australia in an away Test, further underlining his potential as a leader in the longest format.

The question of Bumrah’s fitness, however, looms large. With the rigors of fast bowling in Test cricket, particularly in English conditions, the selectors are expected to tread carefully before handing him a full-time captaincy role. His history of back injuries has already seen him miss significant periods of play in recent years.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s name is also circulating as a possible successor. At 24, Gill represents the new generation of Indian cricketers and is being groomed for leadership, but he lacks the seniority and experience Bumrah brings to the table.

The squad for the England series is expected to be unveiled later this month. The first Test begins on June 19 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, setting the stage for a new era in Indian Test cricket.

As the cricketing world waits for the selectors’ verdict, one thing is certain — the decision on India’s next Test captain could shape the direction of the team for years to come.