Jasprit Bumrah Called ‘Automatic Choice’ For India Test Captaincy; Shubman Gill Rejected

Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian batter and cricket expert, shared his audacious prediction about India's next Test skipper on social media. Jaffer said that until the bowler himself declines, Jasprit Bumrah is the finest candidate to captain the Indian cricket team in Test matches.

The BCCI selectors are having a hard time choosing the best player to captain the team after Rohit Sharma retired from the game's longest format. Shubman Gill, the captain of the Gujarat Titans, is reportedly being considered by the BCCI and the selectors to be India's next Test captain.

Many, like Wasim Jaffer, were concerned about Gill's abrupt ascent to international leadership without any significant experience, especially when the squad had options like Jasprit Bumrah. Gill led India in the Twenty20 Internationals and is even the vice-captain of the national side in the One-Day Internationals.

Jasprit Bumrah or Shubman Gill? Who will be the next India Test captain?

A few reports indicate that Jasprit Bumrah, who has led India in three Test matches and has been the vice-captain of the format, is not in the running for full-time captaincy because of his injury history. They believe that his inclusion in the starting lineup is far more significant than his leadership.

Despite Shubman Gill's reputation as a future leader, Jaffer urges the BCCI to give Bumrah the captaincy of India in Test matches. According to the former Indian batsman, Gill needs to be appointed vice-captain and take over for Bumrah when he is rested.

Wasim Jaffer rejects Shubman Gill, wants Jasprit Bumrah as next India test captain

As Jasprit Bumrah takes the lead, this will assist the Gujarat Titans skipper in continuing to learn. According to the cricket analyst, Bumrah's role as Test captain would help Gill develop his leadership skills without putting him under too much pressure to take on full-time duties too soon.

“I think Bumrah is an automatic captaincy choice, unless he doesn't want the responsibility. He should be the captain with Gill as VC—stepping in whenever Bumrah needs rest. This way Gill could also be groomed without the pressure of being the full-time captain,” Jaffer posted on X.

I think Bumrah is an automatic captaincy choice, unless he doesn't want the responsibility. He should be the captain with Gill as VC - stepping in whenever Bumrah needs rest. This way Gill could also be groomed without the pressure of being the full time captain. #ENGvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 16, 2025

Gill and Gambhir seal the deal

Meanwhile, the Times of India reported that Shubman Gill recently had lunch with Gautam Gambhir at his Delhi home. It is now practically a certain that Gill will be selected as India's next Test skipper after their allegedly four- to five-hour talks.

According to the report, Gill also met Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar at Wankhede Stadium following the Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 game in Mumbai. In the Tests, Gill appears to be the ideal choice for the selectors, who are looking for a long-term captain.

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