Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has backed Jasprit Bumrah to be India’s new Test captain ahead of the England tour after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Bumrah has all the experience under his belt but it has been reported by Sky Sports that he has opted out of the leadership role.

The gun fast bowler had led in two Test matches on the Australian tour, winning one and losing one. Bumrah had also scalped 32 wickets in five Test matches at a stunning average of 13.06. Prasad wants Bumrah to be the first-choice captain and if not him due to fitness, he urged selectors to back KL Rahul.

However, according to reports, Shubman Gill is the front-runner to be appointed as India’s new Test skipper.

Prasad said on PTI as quoted by India Today, “My captain would be Jasprit Bumrah as he has already proven himself as a leader. As far as my vice-captain is concerned, I would like Shubman Gill to gain some experience as Bumrah’s deputy. In case you have a problem with Bumrah’s fitness then my choice is KL Rahul.”

Prasad also backed KL Rahul to bat at number four on the England tour after Virat Kohli’s retirement. Rahul had opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal on the Australian tour.

“As far as my assessment goes, Nitish Reddy’s bowling will be more effective in England than it was in Australia. If we are taking 16, then I would want a left-arm swing bowler and my choice is Arshdeep Singh. I would like KL Rahul to bat No. 4 and my reserve opener would be Abhimanyu Easwaran,” said Prasad.

India will play the first Test match against England at Leeds, Headingley, on June 20.