Ravi Shastri Says No To Bumrah As Test Captain, Suggests Alternative

Jasprit Bumrah, who captained India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in Rohit Sharma's absence, was seen as a possible candidate.

Shastri instead pitched for younger names like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to take over the reins.

Source : PTI

Team India is set to tour England in June 2025 for a five-match Test series following IPL 2025. With senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announcing their retirement from Test cricket, the focus has now shifted to selecting a new captain for the red-ball format.

While the official squad is yet to be announced, speculation about the leadership role is already in full swing.

Shastri Against Bumrah as Captain

Jasprit Bumrah, who captained India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in Rohit Sharma's absence, was seen as a possible candidate. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his concerns over this choice.

Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri said:

“I don’t want Jasprit Bumrah to be made captain. You might lose him as a bowler. He’s returning from injury, and while he may have bowled four overs per match in the IPL, Test cricket demands 10 to 15 overs at a stretch. Adding the burden of captaincy could impact his rhythm and mental space.”

Gill and Pant Named as Future Leaders

Shastri instead pitched for younger names like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to take over the reins.

“Gill is performing well and is still young - around 25–26. He should be given the opportunity. Rishabh Pant is another option. Both have gained leadership experience through franchise cricket, which counts at the highest level. They have a decade ahead of them, and this is the right time to groom them,” he said.

India vs England Test Series Schedule

The high-profile five-match Test series between India and England begins on June 20, 2025, and will continue until August. With both Kohli and Rohit stepping away from Test cricket, this tour will mark the beginning of a new chapter in India's red-ball journey.

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