Bumrah is automatic choice for captain unless he opts out: Jaffer
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for an exciting Test series against England in 2025, and the question on everyone’s mind is who will lead the team to victory. With Virat Kohli stepping down as Test captain, the Indian cricket board is yet to name a new captain. However, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has thrown his hat into the ring, suggesting Jasprit Bumrah as the automatic choice for captaincy unless he decides otherwise.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Jaffer opined that Bumrah, the Indian pace bowling sensation, has the leadership qualities to lead the team successfully. “Bumrah should be captain with Gill as vice captain, stepping in whenever Bumrah needs rest,” Jaffer said. This indicates that Jaffer believes Bumrah has the potential to lead the team and Gill can learn from him and take over as captain when needed.
Jaffer’s suggestion makes sense, considering Bumrah’s impressive performance on the field. The pacer has been one of India’s most successful bowlers in recent years, taking 87 wickets in 21 Tests at an average of 22.78. His ability to take wickets and lead the attack has earned him immense respect from his teammates and opponents alike.
Moreover, Bumrah has shown glimpses of leadership skills during his career, often taking charge of the team’s bowling attack and guiding his teammates through tough situations. His experience as a leader could be an asset for the Indian team, especially in the Test format where experience counts.
Jaffer’s suggestion also highlights the importance of having a vice-captain who can step in when the captain needs rest. In Bumrah’s case, Gill, who has been in excellent form, could be the ideal candidate for the role. As Jaffer mentioned, having Gill as vice-captain would allow him to learn from Bumrah and gain valuable experience without the pressure of being the full-time captain.
This arrangement would also give the Indian team depth and stability, as both Bumrah and Gill would be familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, having a vice-captain who is familiar with the team’s dynamics would help to maintain continuity and ensure that the team’s performance is not affected by captaincy changes.
Jaffer’s suggestion has sparked a lot of debate among cricket fans and experts, with some arguing that Bumrah’s inexperience in captaincy could be a liability. However, Jaffer’s point that Bumrah’s leadership qualities are evident in his performances on the field and his ability to take charge of the team’s bowling attack could be a strong argument in his favor.
In conclusion, Jaffer’s suggestion that Bumrah is the automatic choice for captaincy unless he decides otherwise is an interesting one. With Bumrah’s impressive bowling skills and leadership qualities, he could be the ideal candidate to lead the Indian team to victory in the upcoming Test series against England. Having Gill as vice-captain would also provide the team with stability and depth, allowing Gill to learn from Bumrah and gain valuable experience.
It remains to be seen whether the Indian cricket board will consider Jaffer’s suggestion and appoint Bumrah as the captain of the Indian Test team. However, with Bumrah’s impressive performance on the field and his leadership qualities, he could be an excellent choice for the role.
