Rohit Sharma’s successor? Jasprit Bumrah Tops list amid uncertainty

Sports: According to a PTI report, Jasprit Bumrah, who guided India to their only Test triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, is the favourite to take over from Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain. However, the persistent fitness problems of Bumrah raise questions about his future in the Test captaincy position. The star fast bowler, who has already been hit by back spasms, has already cast a shadow over his availability for next month's Champions Trophy.

Selectors consider leadership choices

The selectors do sound optimistic about Bumrah making it for the Champions Trophy, but whether he will withstand the pressures of captaincy is another question for the long term. With Rohit Sharma nearing the end of his tenure, the BCCI is contemplating a stable vice-captain; Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in a tight battle to stake their claim for the deputy position. The one proven performer has to be Rishabh Pant.

Focus on Bumrah's fitness and workload management

At the recent BCCI review meeting, Bumrah's recurring lower back injury was discussed at length, especially in light of a five-match Test series scheduled for July in England. Though he performed admirably in the Australia series, taking 32 wickets and being awarded the Player of the Series title, his inability to bowl in the second innings of the final Test points to the persistent issues with his workload and physical preparedness.

Age and longevity: Two important considerations

Bumrah is 30 years of age, and his fitness has become a vital factor. His role as a leader of the Indian pace attack in Tests and participation in high-stakes ICC tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the World Cup raise the risk of injury. BCCI wants to ensure that he gets full-scale rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to address such challenges.

Contingency planning

With Bumrah's fitness issues still a question mark, the selectors are looking at alternatives for leadership. The "Plan B" could be to prepare other aspirants for the vice-captaincy role, so that there is stability in the Test side for the next World Test Championship cycle (2025–2027).