Captaincy Conundrum: Ravichandran Ashwin Backs Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Shastri Tips Shubman Gill for India’s Test Future

The retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket has not just ended an era but opened up a fierce debate about India’s next red-ball captain. While the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, mull over potential successors, senior voices in Indian cricket have weighed in—with divergent views.

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made no secret of his disappointment at reports suggesting Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be named the next captain.

Speaking on his Hindi YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin said, “There is a leadership vacuum in the team. If you ask me one simple and plain choice for captaincy, it should be Jasprit Bumrah.”

He went on to challenge the growing narrative around Bumrah’s workload being a hurdle. “Jasprit Bumrah's workload and all keep coming up. Pat Cummins has led Australia and has done really well. Jasprit had one surgery and then a break again, I am not sure whether he wants to put himself on the line for five Tests—but if he does, he’s my choice,” Ashwin insisted.

However, not everyone in the Indian cricketing fraternity agrees with Ashwin. Former head coach Ravi Shastri, who oversaw some of India’s most successful years in recent times, offered a contrasting opinion. Speaking on The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan—Bumrah’s wife—Shastri emphasized caution.

“Frankly, after the Australia tour, Bumrah would have been my first choice for captaincy. But I don’t want to appoint him as captain and then lose his services as a bowler,” Shastri reasoned, drawing attention to the pacer’s fragile fitness record.

He added, “Bumrah needs to take extreme care of his body. He is only now recovering from a serious injury. The real test will be bowling 10-15 overs in Test cricket, not just 4 in the IPL. In such circumstances, it is not advisable to put the burden of captaincy on him.”

Instead, Shastri pushed for a more long-term solution. “Someone should be groomed for the future. In my view, Shubman is much better suited. Give him a chance. He is around 25 or 26 now, and he should be given sufficient time.”

He also named another rising star. “Rishabh Pant is also an option. Considering their age and the long careers ahead of them, both are appropriate candidates. Let them learn,” Shastri concluded.

As the BCCI prepares for a crucial decision, the opinions of Ashwin and Shastri reflect two contrasting visions—one for immediate impact and another for a sustainable future.