Former India World Cup winner overlooks Shubman Gill as potential choice to replace Rohit Sharma as next Test skipper

Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket has opened new speculation regarding the next Test captain. Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup winning team, has overlooked Shubman Gill’s name as the next Test captain. Madan Lal has named Jasprit Bumrah as the best choice to take over from Rohit Sharma as the new captain. Bumrah has led the side in three games winning once and losing the others. 

Madan Lal said to PTI, “I feel that Jasprit Bumrah is the right person to lead India. Fitness is a different thing, but if he is available and fit, then he is the first choice.” It was under Bumrah, who led India to the massive win in the Perth Test when Rohit Sharma was unavailable. The 31-year-old then led the side in Sydney before being forced off the game due to injury. 

When asked about Rohit’s retirement from the game, Madan Lal said, “Look, when such big players are brought in, there's no space left in the team. They automatically become the first choice. But form can come at any time. What about form? Fine, their performance hasn't been great. But whatever decision they make regarding retirement, it's a personal decision. They must have thought it through; that's why they took that decision.” 

More voices back Bumrah as next Test captain 

India’s leading wicket-taker Anil Kumble has also backed Bumrah as the next Test captain. Kumble, during his chat with ESPN Cricinfo, said, “Maybe just for this series against England, go with Bumrah, and then see how his fitness is. Whenever that happens, the vice-captain comes in and takes over."

Meanwhile, former Indian selector MSK Prasad has also backed Bumrah as the next skipper. According to Prasad, young batter Shubman Gill needs to concentrate on his batting before getting the leadership role in the side. MSK Prasad was quoted by India Today as saying, “I think I’m okay with either of them. They’re considering both. I think to start off with a series like England, we don’t want anyone getting under pressure.”

MSK Prasad also said, “ 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”,