Shubman Gill has emerged as the top candidate to replace Jasprit Bumrah as India’s next Test vice-captain. Bumrah’s workload management and injury record will result in him not reportedly playing all five Tests of India’s England tour starting next month. The team management wants someone who will be part of all five matches.
The Indian team management has started planning for the future and among its priority is establishing a fresh leadership group in Test cricket.
With Rohit Sharma turning 38 and Jasprit Bumrah an injury concern, the thinktank is set to name a younger player as vice-captain for India’s upcoming Test tour of England.
Jasprit Bumrah has been the designated Test vice-captain for some time now and has even led the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma. However, injury record and workload management means the team is now looking elsewhere.
According to a report in The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in all five Tests of the England series and therefore, the team wants someone who will be available for the entirety of the tour.
Shubman Gill seems to be the top contender candidate to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the leadership role given he’s already ODI vice-captain and also leads his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans.
Rishabh Pant is also among the top candidates. News agency PTI reported earlier this year that the wicketkeeper-batter is among the frontrunners.
Interestingly, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also being reportedly among the candidates but is considered too young for the role.
India are set to start their ICC World Test Championship campaign with the England tour from June 20. The team endured a poor end to their previous campaign, losing their last two series and didn’t qualify for the final for the first time in three attempts.
