Bumrah was my obvious choice, but he shouldn’t be made Test captain: Ravi Shastri
In a recent interview, former India head coach Ravi Shastri shed light on his thoughts on Jasprit Bumrah’s potential to lead the Indian Test team. While he did acknowledge that Bumrah was his top choice for the role after the Australia tour, Shastri expressed reservations about making him the captain now.
Shastri’s comments have sparked a debate among cricket fans and experts alike, with some arguing that Bumrah’s exceptional leadership skills and ability to inspire his teammates make him an ideal candidate for the role. Others, however, share Shastri’s concerns about the added pressure of captaincy on top of Bumrah’s rehabilitation from a serious injury.
For those who may be unaware, Bumrah has been out of action for several months due to a stress fracture in his back. While the 27-year-old pacer is expected to make a comeback soon, Shastri’s words of caution suggest that the Indian team management may not be in a hurry to appoint him as the Test captain just yet.
In his interview, Shastri emphasized that Bumrah’s primary focus should be on regaining his form and fitness, rather than taking on the added responsibility of captaincy. “He’s coming back now after a serious injury…Last thing you want is some pressure on his mind being captain as well,” Shastri said.
This sentiment is understandable, given the demands of international cricket and the physical toll it takes on players. As a bowler, Bumrah is already under immense pressure to perform and bowl long spells, and adding the burden of captaincy to his plate may not be the wisest decision.
Moreover, Shastri’s comments also highlight the importance of a captain’s mental state and ability to handle pressure. While Bumrah has shown remarkable leadership skills in the past, it is crucial to consider whether he is mentally equipped to handle the added responsibilities of captaincy at this juncture.
In recent times, there have been instances where players have struggled to cope with the pressures of captaincy, and Shastri’s words of caution serve as a reminder of the importance of considering a player’s mental well-being before appointing them as captain.
So, who then would be a suitable candidate for the Test captaincy? Shastri’s words suggest that he may have someone else in mind, but he has not revealed any names. However, there are several players who have been touted as potential captains in the past, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane.
Virat Kohli, of course, is the obvious choice, given his exceptional leadership skills and experience as captain. However, his recent form has been a cause for concern, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to regain his touch as a batsman.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has been impressive as an ODI captain and has shown exceptional leadership skills. However, his lack of experience as a Test captain may make him a less likely candidate for the role.
Ajinkya Rahane, who has led India in the past, has been a steady performer and has shown glimpses of his leadership skills. However, his recent form has been patchy, and it remains to be seen whether he has what it takes to lead the Indian team to success.
Ultimately, the decision to appoint a Test captain is a complex one, and it requires careful consideration of several factors, including a player’s form, experience, and leadership skills. While Bumrah may have been Shastri’s obvious choice at one point, it seems that the former coach is now more cautious about appointing him as the Test captain.
As the Indian team management weighs its options, one thing is clear: the next Test captain will need to be a player who can inspire his teammates, make tough decisions on the field, and lead by example. Whoever it may be, they will have a tough act to follow, given the exceptional leadership skills of Virat Kohli in the past.
