With Rohit Sharma officially stepping away from Test cricket, discussions over India’s next red-ball captain have intensified. While rising star Shubman Gill is widely reported to be the frontrunner, former Indian spinner R Ashwin has voiced strong support for a different choice fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah.
R Ashwin, one of India’s most accomplished Test cricketers, threw his weight behind Jasprit Bumrah as the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy. The 31-year-old pace spearhead from Ahmedabad has already led India in three Tests and served as vice-captain in recent series, showcasing leadership traits that Ashwin believes should now be recognised.
Sharing his views on the latest episode of his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said, “I would definitely say it is the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era. The team that Gambhir will take to England for five Tests will be a completely new team, a completely transformed team where Jasprit Bumrah would possibly be the senior-most player.” Reflecting further on the leadership possibilities, he added, “Obviously, he is also an option for captaincy (role). I believe he deserves the captaincy, but the Indian selectors will take a decision based on his physical capacity.”
R Ashwin, who announced his retirement from all international cricket in December 2024, also expressed surprise at the sudden nature of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirements. According to him, their decisions came without any prior indication, catching even seasoned observers like himself off guard.
As the Indian Test team prepares for a transitional phase under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, Ashwin’s endorsement adds weight to the case for Bumrah—a bowler admired not just for his match-winning abilities but also for his composure and tactical insight.
