Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the ideal candidates to lead the Indian Test team. According to Shastri, both players have valuable captaincy experience in the IPL, making them strong contenders for the role. He also shared his views on Jasprit Bumrah, stating that while the fast bowler is a good option, he should be kept free from the burden of captaincy due to his fitness concerns.
Shastri Joins the Captaincy Debate
With Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket, India will need a new captain for the upcoming England tour, which features a five-match Test series starting next month. During Rohit’s absence in Australia, Bumrah had led the side in two Tests. Now, with names like Gill in the race, Shastri has stepped into the captaincy discussion.
“I Don’t Want Bumrah to Be Captain”
Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on the ICC Review, Shastri said, “After the Australia tour, I do believe Bumrah is a clear option for captaincy. But I don’t want him to take up that responsibility because you might lose him as a bowler. He should be focusing on his body, especially after coming back from a serious injury. While he has returned in the IPL, that’s just four overs a game. In Tests, he’ll be bowling 10 to 15 overs per innings. You don’t want additional mental pressure on him as a captain.”
Calls for Pant and Gill to Be Given a Chance
Shastri emphasised that the BCCI should consider the players’ age and long-term potential while picking the captain. Gill is 25 and currently captains Gujarat Titans, while 27-year-old Pant leads Lucknow Super Giants.
He added, “You groom someone, and I would say Shubman looks like a very strong option. Give him the chance—he’s 25 or 26 and has time on his side. Pant is also a very good choice. Both are excellent players and meet the age criteria. They have a decade of cricket ahead of them. They should be given the opportunity to learn and grow. They’ve also gained leadership experience through the IPL, which matters.”