Gavaskar on Shubman Gill’s Appointment as Captain: ‘Jasprit Bumrah informed the selectors…’

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has explained how Shubman Gill became the new Indian Test captain. He stated that ‘selfless’ Jasprit Bumrah made the decision easier for the selectors.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed the 25-year-old Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain last week. This decision has created a divide, with some in agreement, while others feel Gill is still too young for the new role.

‘Made the selection even easier’

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah was another favourite for the leadership role. However, a recurring back injury prevented his plans from succeeding. Reflecting on the leadership role, Sunil Gavaskar revealed how and when the decision was finalised.

“The fact that the total team-man and selfless cricketer named Jasprit Bumrah informed the selectors that since he may not be able to play all Test matches because of his back issue, the selectors could zero in at Gill as the new India captain, made the selection even easier. Make no mistake, Bumrah will be at hand for Gill to lean on to and he will also undoubtedly lead the bowling group as they try and plot the English batters’ dismissals,” the former India captain wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

Tight schedule worries Gavaskar

Gavaskar praised India’s well-balanced squad but raised concerns about the tight schedule of the series. He supported the selectors’ decision to include back-up players to manage the workload.

“The Indian team looks well balanced, and now with BCCI having enough funds, the selectors’ jobs are a bit easier as they can pick 18 instead of the 16 that most other teams choose. So, they have taken six new-ball users plus Nitish Reddy, who can bowl lively medium pace. Yes, the tour is a cramped one with five Test matches in six weeks, and so there will be need for net bowlers as the Test bowlers would need some rest after the efforts in the back-to-back Test matches,” added Gavaskar.

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