Ravichandra Ashwin Backs Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja For Test Captaincy

As the Indian cricket team prepares for a significant transition in the longest format, the conversation around the successor to Rohit Sharma as Test captain has intensified.

While Shubman Gill has been widely touted as the frontrunner to take over the reins during the upcoming England tour, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes India should consider experienced campaigners like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja for the high-pressure role.

Speaking on his YouTube channel in a conversation with former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, Ashwin offered a fresh perspective on the captaincy debate.

“First of all, everyone is saying that Gill is the captain. Everyone is going in that direction. But there is a loud option in Jasprit Bumrah, and why do we forget about Ravindra Jadeja?" said Ashwin, suggesting that experience and proven leadership qualities should weigh heavily in the decision.

While Gill has impressed as Gujarat Titans skipper in the IPL and remains one of the brightest batting talents in world cricket, Ashwin raised a crucial point regarding his readiness.

“If you are willing to go for a new person as captain, I would say why not make him an understudy of an experienced guy for two years before handing him the job on a full-time basis,” he opined.

Ashwin's endorsement of Ravindra Jadeja is rooted in the all-rounder’s immense experience and consistency. With 80 Test matches under his belt, Jadeja has amassed 3,370 runs and claimed 323 wickets.

“He is the most experienced player in the current side after Virat and Rohit. If someone deserves consideration based on experience and utility, it’s him,” said Ashwin.

Interestingly, Ashwin also recommended a more structured approach to the captaincy selection process, urging the BCCI to explore options beyond traditional norms.

“Why not get all the 3-4 candidates and make them do a presentation and ask them each to detail the vision for the team? It happens in countries like Australia and why won’t we go down that road?” he asked.

The 37-year-old off-spinner, who recently crossed the 500-wicket mark in Test cricket, made a strong case for Jasprit Bumrah as well. Citing Pat Cummins’ rise to captaincy in Australia despite a history of back injuries, Ashwin said Bumrah’s fitness should not automatically rule him out of contention.

“Look at Pat Cummins, he also had a back stress fracture but he is now captaining Australia in Tests and ODIs. Like that, Bumrah is our national treasure and he should be in the discussion,” Ashwin insisted.

“He should be asked, will you be able to play five Tests? Can you be a full-time captain? I know he had a stress fracture but I am sure he will think about it. I think the hat with his name should be number one in that ring.”

The selection committee is expected to announce the squad for the England tour in the final week of May. With India scheduled to play five Tests on English soil, a leadership transition is imminent following Rohit Sharma’s anticipated retirement from the format.