Jasprit Bumrah led India twice in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which the sub-continent team lost 1-3. According to PTI, he is the leading contender to replace Rohit Sharma as the team’s captain but his long term future remains uncertain due to fitness issues.
The fast bowler has been battling injuries, with back spasms have cast doubt on his chances of playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and Dubai. Although the medical team is confident that the back swelling will subside and he may play in the knockout matches of the tournament, there are concerns about his ability to take captaincy burden.
The national selectors are not sure of Bumrah’s longevity as India’s captain and with Rohit Sharma’s career nearing its end in red-ball cricket, the decision-makers will have to find a new vice-captain.
Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal are leading the race for the deputy role. During a review meeting, Bumrah’s injury was discussed as the selectors look ahead to five Tests in England later this year.
While the selectors and team management are waiting for Bumrah’s recovery, the uncertainty around his fitness continues to raise doubts about his future as the team’s leader.
Bumrah took 32 wickets in five Tests against Australia, and was named the player of the series. However, he was injured midway through the final contest in Sydney and will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The management and selectors will have to manage his workload and Bumrah, who is now 30, may face face challenges in managing his body for Test cricket and ICC tournaments.
The selectors are ready with Plan B if Bumrah fails to remain fit. Pant or Jaiswal will be groomed for the vice-captaincy role.
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