Related Articles
Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a strong contender to take over the reins of the Indian cricket team when Rohit Sharma steps down from captaincy. The star pacer led India to a historic victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Perth, while Rohit was on paternity leave. Despite Bumrah’s heroics, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has raised doubts about the idea of making him the full-time captain.
Table of content
Bumrah’s Stint as Captain
Bumrah impressed cricket fans with his leadership and performance during his brief stint as captain. In the first Test against Australia, he spearheaded the team to a memorable win, showcasing his strategic acumen and skill. Even though India eventually lost the series 1-3, Bumrah was named Player of the Series for his phenomenal bowling, claiming 32 wickets at an average of 13.06.
However, Bumrah’s time in the captaincy spotlight was marred by an injury during the fifth Test, which limited his impact.
Kaif’s Reservations
While many see Bumrah as a potential successor to Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Kaif believes otherwise. In a recent YouTube video, Kaif suggested that handing over the captaincy to the 31-year-old pacer would be a mistake.
“Jasprit Bumrah becoming Rohit Sharma’s successor is not the right idea. He is the only bowler who consistently puts his body on the line for the team and takes on immense pressure. This workload is already leading to frequent injuries,” Kaif remarked.
Kaif emphasized that adding the burden of captaincy could further strain Bumrah, ultimately affecting both his performance and longevity in international cricket.
A Batter as the Next Captain
Kaif proposed that a batter would be a better choice for India’s next captain. He suggested KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as ideal candidates, given their experience as leaders in the IPL.
“I don’t believe Bumrah should be the captain. I want a batter to take over—someone like Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul. Both have led teams in the IPL and can bring stability and balance to the side,” Kaif added.
The Debate Continues
The debate over India’s next captain intensifies as Rohit Sharma nears the twilight of his captaincy tenure. While Bumrah’s leadership qualities and performances have earned him admiration, concerns about his fitness and workload remain valid.
The Indian cricket management faces a crucial decision in identifying a leader who can balance the demands of captaincy and maintain consistency on the field. Whether the mantle will fall to Bumrah or one of Kaif’s preferred choices remains to be seen.
