Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 16: With veteran Rohit Sharma bidding farewell to Test cricket, the question of who will lead India in the longest format has stirred widespread discussion and former coach Ravi Shastri has now weighed in, calling for a forward-looking approach.
Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Shastri expressed strong reservations about handing the captaincy reins to Jasprit Bumrah, despite the pacer being an obvious candidate post-Kohli. Citing Bumrah’s fragile fitness, Shastri warned against burdening India’s premier fast bowler with the added pressure of leadership.
“Jasprit would have been the obvious choice after Australia,” Shastri said. “But I don’t want Jasprit to be made captain and then you lose him as a bowler. He's just come back from a serious back injury. Now is the real test bowling 10 to 15 overs in a day, and the last thing you need is extra pressure on his mind.”
Instead, Shastri advocated for investing in youth and grooming long-term leaders, naming Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as his picks to succeed Rohit.
“Shubman’s looked very good. He’s calm, composed and has leadership experience now,” Shastri said. “Rishabh too is a natural leader. Both of them are just 25-26 and have a decade of cricket ahead of them. Let them grow into the role.”
Shastri was also quick to dismiss concerns about Gill’s lack of runs in overseas conditions.
“People always say, ‘he hasn’t scored overseas’ but let him get there and play. He’s a class player. He’ll make up for those runs,” he added.
Gill, who has led India in T20Is and served as vice-captain in ODIs, impressed during the Zimbabwe tour, scoring 170 runs across five innings. He also leads Gujarat Titans in the IPL, while Pant has captained Lucknow Super Giants.
With the departures of Rohit and Kohli from the red-ball arena, Shastri said it’s time India invests in youth.
“Let’s look to the future. These two boys have captaincy experience in the IPL and possess the temperament. India needs that kind of vision now,” Shastri concluded.