Ravi Shastri Names Front-Runners For India’s Next Test Captain!! KL Rahul Snubbed

The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, has disclosed his front runners to lead the national side in the longest format of the game. Shastri reckoned that even though he would go for Jasprit Bumrah, the premier pacer, it would be important to keep him free for the primary job.

The speculation has started to grow after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from red-ball cricket. In addition, Virat Kohli went down the same path and hung up his boots from the five-day format. That left the selectors to make a major decision on making a new Test captain.

Ravi Shastri votes for Jasprit Bumrah to become the new Indian Test captain

Ravi Shastri, the former all-rounder, reckoned that for him, it would be the obvious choice for the pacer to become the red-ball leader, especially after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia.

Bumrah has featured in 86 red-ball innings to pick 205 wickets at an average of just below 20 and a strike rate of 42, shouldering seven four-wicket and 13 five-wicket hauls at the best bowling figure of 6/27 in an innings.

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

“See, for me, it’s Jasprit (Bumrah), who would have been the obvious choice after Australia, but you know, we are just seeing that England itinerary and where he is coming from. I am looking at and I want Jasprit for the next three years, you know, to bowl with the same intensity.” The Mumbai-born was informed during a recent interaction on the ICC.

And I don’t want Jasprit to be made captain, and then you lose him as a bowler. I think he has to take his body one game at a time. He is coming back after a serious injury, and he will have played IPL cricket, which is four overs.” Ravi Shastri elaborated.

Bumrah led the side to a 295-run victory at the Optus Stadium in Perth during the series opener. He finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, with many impactful bowling performances.

“Now, when it comes to the Test of bowling 10 overs, 15 overs, the last thing you want is some pressure on his mind of being captain as well. You know, sometimes as a captain, you want to try that bit harder, and that could be the problem. Probably two more injuries, and you can lose him. Hence, you don’t want that and rather groom someone.” The former spinner addressed.

Ravi Shastri keeps Rishabh Pant in captaincy fight with Shubman Gill

The veteran believes that in the absence of Kohli and Rohit, it would be essential for the selectors to offer the new leader some time to get settled with the side. Along with Shubman Gill, he has tossed up the name of Rishabh Pant in the mix.

“There is no Rohit and Virat, you groom somebody, and I would say Shubman looked very good. So, give him the opportunity. He is just 25 or 26 years old. Give him the time.” Ravi Shastri claimed.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Informs Retirement Plans For IPL 2026 To CSK

“There is Rishabh as well. I think these two are the obvious ones I am looking for because of their age, and they have a decade ahead of them. Let them learn while getting the exposure. But luckily, they have got experience as captains, captaining the franchise, and that makes a huge difference.” Ravi Shastri concluded.

India aims to forget the WTC 2023-25 failure

Not getting into the final of the WTC 2023-25 was a failure for the Indian side. They were ahead in the event before losing two successive series to New Zealand and Australia.

However, under a potential leader, Shubman Gill, as Ravi Shastri reckoned, it would be vital for the Blue Brigade to start on a high from the five-match series in England during the WTC 2025-27 cycle.