The Indian cricket fraternity was left stunned on Wednesday evening as Rohit Sharma, the talismanic opener and Test captain, announced his retirement from red-ball cricket just before the crucial England tour. With Rohit stepping away, the debate over his successor has intensified. While many expected young stars like Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant to take the mantle, legendary 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal has thrown his weight behind a different candidate.

Madan Lal reveals his choice for Rohit Sharma’s replacement as Test captain

As speculation swirled around the next Test captain, Madan made a case for Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, to lead the team in the longest format. Despite Gill being the frontrunner-given his age, recent vice-captaincy, and leadership of Gujarat Titans in the IPL-Madan believes Bumrah’s experience and temperament make him the ideal choice.

Bumrah has already tasted leadership success, famously guiding India to a historic Test victory at Perth against Australia in Rohit’s absence.

“Jasprit Bumrah should get a chance. He has been doing very well. He is a permanent member of the team. We have some young players who can be made the vice-captain,” Madan told ANI, highlighting Bumrah’s consistency and respect within the squad.

This view is echoed by other cricket experts, with former captain Anil Kumble also suggesting Bumrah could be a smart pick for at least the England series, with Gill as his deputy. The argument in Bumrah’s favour rests on his proven leadership skills, his status as an automatic selection, and his ability to inspire the team through tough situations.

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BCCI faces tough call in naming Rohit’s Test successor

However, Bumrah’s potential appointment is not without challenges. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly wary of overburdening their premier fast bowler, especially considering his recent recovery from a serious back injury. There are concerns that the added responsibility of captaincy could impact Bumrah’s fitness and longevity, particularly with a gruelling five-Test series in England on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Gill’s candidacy, while promising, comes with its own caveats. Though he is seen as the natural heir and has impressed in white-ball formats, Gill’s place in the Test XI is not fully cemented, especially outside Asia, where his performances have yet to match his potential. The selectors face a delicate balancing act: choosing between a proven leader with fitness concerns and a young talent still finding his feet in the format.

As India enter a new World Test Championship cycle, the decision on Rohit’s successor is more than just a stopgap-it will shape the future direction of the Test side. For now, Madan’s endorsement of Bumrah adds a fascinating twist to the captaincy race, ensuring that all eyes will be on the BCCI’s next move as the England tour approaches.

Also READ: 3 ideal captaincy candidates for Team India after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket

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