New Delhi: ‘Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has credited Jasprit Bumrah’s selfless gesture for paving the way for Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s Test captain for the upcoming England tour.
Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar revealed that Bumrah, long considered a potential successor to Rohit Sharma, informed the selectors that he might not be available for all five Tests due to his ongoing back concerns. This honest admission made it easier for the selectors to pick Gill, who is expected to feature in the full series.
“The fact that the total team-man and selfless cricketer named Jasprit Bumrah informed the selectors that since he may not be able to play all Tests because of his back issue, the selectors could zero in on Gill as the new India captain, made the selection even easier,” Gavaskar wrote.
Gill, just 25 years old, has played 32 Test matches for India and has an average of 35 — a stat that has drawn some criticism regarding his readiness for leadership. However, Gavaskar believes the young opener will have strong support, especially from Bumrah.
“Make no mistake, Bumrah will be at hand for Gill to lean on and he will also undoubtedly lead the bowling group as they try and plot the English batters’ dismissals. The Indian team looks well-balanced,” he added.
Gavaskar did express concern over the tight schedule. India is set to play five Test matches against England in just over six weeks, starting with the opening Test in Leeds on June 20.
“It’s a cramped tour with five Tests in six weeks, so there will be a need for net bowlers as the frontline Test bowlers will require rest between matches,” he noted, pointing out the need for depth in the pace attack.
To address this, the squad includes six new-ball bowlers along with all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who can bowl medium pace.
Meanwhile, both Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan—who are part of the Gujarat Titans squad in the IPL—could miss the India A four-day match against the England Lions starting June 6. If Gujarat makes it to the IPL final on June 3 in Ahmedabad, it’s unlikely they’ll join the India A side in time.
