Former Indian World Cup winner Madan Lal has backed the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah to become the next Test captain of the India National Cricket Team. With Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, the big question is who will lead India on the upcoming England tour.
The India National Cricket Team is scheduled to play five tests on the England tour, starting on June 20. However, even before Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, there was buzz that Shubman Gill was all set to become India’s next captain in the format.
BCCI unlikely to take risk with Jasprit Bumrah!!
Jasprit Bumrah may not be given any leadership role in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, as he is unlikely to play all five matches.
The Indian selectors and the team management are reportedly looking to manage Bumrah’s workload carefully, especially with the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle ahead.
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During the Australia tour, Bumrah played all five Tests, served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy, and even led India to their only win in Perth. But the heavy workload took a toll, and he ended up with a back injury. To avoid this situation, they want to reduce his on-field responsibilities.
Madan Lal backs Jasprit Bumrah for Test Captaincy
Despite the notions, Madan Lal feels Bumrah is the ideal candidate to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain, as the star pacer is an experienced performer and a regular in the playing XI.
He believes that Bumrah deserves a shot at full-time leadership, especially after proving his capabilities in the past, both as vice-captain and captain on some occasions.
At the same time, the former Indian cricketer feels it’s the right moment to groom a young vice-captain who can take over in the future, but his vote is for Bumrah for Test captaincy. Now, all eyes are now on the BCCI and selectors for the big announcement that’s expected next week.
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Madan Lal was quoted as saying by ANI, “Of course, Bumrah should get a chance. Because he has done the captaincy. And he has been doing very well. He is a permanent member of the team.”
“So, I think he should get a chance. But we also have some good young players who can be made the vice-captain and groomed for the future.”
#WATCH | On being asked if Jasprit Bumrah will be named the captain of Indian Test Cricket team, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal says, “Jasprit Bumrah should get a chance. He has been doing very well. He is a permanent member of the team. We have some young players who can be… pic.twitter.com/sfubBQSr9L
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025
MSK Prasad backs Jasprit Bumrah to become India’s next Test captain despite fitness concerns
Even former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad also backed Bumrah to become the next Test captain despite concerns over his fitness.
He also named KL Rahul and Shubman Gill as the two other options to succeed Rohit as India’s next captain in the traditional format of the game.
MSK Prasad was quoted as saying by India Today, “Why not, man? Why not? Since he’s fit now, why not?” Prasad said when asked if Bumrah is still in contention for the captaincy. You have three choices right now: Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul.”
“These are the three options. If you’re looking at Bumrah, he will obviously play both cycles—this one and the next—so there’s nothing wrong. And whatever opportunities he’s had to lead, he’s done extremely well.”
Notably, between 2022 and 2025, Bumrah led India in three Test matches. Under his captaincy, the team won one game and lost two. On the other hand, Gill, who is the frontrunner to become India’s new Test captain, has not led the team in both Test and ODI cricket yet.