Gavaskar Backs Bumrah Over Gill for India’s Test Captaincy
MUMBAI, May 13, 2025 – Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has voiced his opposition to the widely favored Shubman Gill as the next Test captain for India, advocating instead for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to take the helm following Rohit Sharma’s impending retirement from the format. Gavaskar believes Bumrah’s self-awareness of his workload makes him the ideal candidate to lead the national side.
Gill, often cited as the top contender to succeed Sharma, has garnered significant support within cricketing circles. However, Gavaskar argues that Bumrah’s experience and tactical acumen outweigh the popular choice. “Who better to know what is the workload for himself than himself?” Gavaskar said, emphasizing that a non-bowler captain might push Bumrah to bowl extra overs, potentially risking burnout. “If he is your No. 1 bowler, he will himself know when to take a break. To me, it has to be Jasprit Bumrah only.”
Gavaskar’s stance comes despite concerns about Bumrah’s fitness, particularly after an injury sidelined him during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he led India to their sole victory in the series. The injury also forced Bumrah to miss the Champions Trophy earlier this year, prompting caution from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his workload. Nevertheless, Gavaskar dismissed these concerns, arguing that captaincy would allow Bumrah to manage his bowling strategically. “He may not have to miss a Test match. If you give it to him, he might know when to stop before his body starts to crumble,” he told.
The BCCI’s apprehension about Bumrah’s fitness has fueled speculation that Gill, at 25, represents a long-term leadership option. Yet Gavaskar remains steadfast, pointing to the upcoming England Test tour, starting June 20, as an opportunity for Bumrah to prove his mettle. “After the first Test, there is an eight-day gap. There’s enough time to recover,” he said, noting the series schedule provides ample rest periods.
With the BCCI expected to announce India’s new Test captain in the coming weeks, Gavaskar’s endorsement of Bumrah adds a significant voice to the ongoing debate.