Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has shared his take on who should be the next captain of the team in Test cricket. He favoured Jasprit Bumrah over Shubman Gill, saying that the young batter needs to get some runs in England or New Zealand so that he can focus on his batting.
India National Cricket Team are all set to lock horns with the England National Cricket Team in the five-match Test series. The series is all set to begin on 20th June at Headingley in Leeds. The BCCI is yet to announce the squad, but ahead of that, they faced a massive jolt.
Reports have claimed that Shubman Gill has emerged as a front-runner to lead the team
Captain Rohit Sharma made a shocking step as he announced his retirement from Test cricket. The India National Cricket Team are now without a skipper in the team, and it will no doubt be a massive headache for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Jasprit Bumrah, who was the vice-captain of the team, was expected to take over the role. However, there have been various reports that claimed that the BCCI are against the move as they don’t want to put extra pressure on the pacer, considering him being prone to injury.
Several reports have claimed that Shubman Gill has emerged as a front-runner to lead the team. Also, KL Rahul’s name has been discussed, but so far, there isn’t any clarity, and it is reported that official news will come out soon.
Since he’s fit now, why not – MSK Prasad on Jasprit Bumrah leading India
MSK Prasad, in an interview with India Today, was asked about Jasprit Bumrah taking charge. He said that if the pacer is fit now, he should be given the charge. He stressed that apart from the pacer, the team has options in Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.
“Why not, man? Why not? Since he’s fit now, why not?” Prasad said in an interview with India Today. “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.”
Shubman needs one good series in England or New Zealand – MSK Prasad
MSK Prasad added that he is fine with either Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah, but the young batter shouldn’t be put under pressure in England. He batted for the pacer to lead the team, saying that Gill should be the vice-captain. He added:
“I think I’m okay with either of them (Gill or Bumrah). They’re considering both. I think to start off with a series like England, we don’t want anyone getting under pressure. See, I think Shubman needs one good series in England or New Zealand so he can focus on his batting.”
“So, I think Bumrah is a fantastic leader. There’s no second thought about that. You can start with Bumrah and make Shubman vice-captain.”
Also read: Not Just The Time!! 3 Shocking Coincidences Emerge Between Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni’s Retirements