Former India batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu has backed ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the ideal choice to lead the national team on the England tour. Sidhu also advised Gautam Gambhir not to ‘shield’ Shubman Gill, adding that the young batter should open the batting in Tests if he is made the captain.
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy when Rohit Sharma was unavailable. However, the selectors are wary about appointing Jasprit Bumrah as the full-time captain due to concerns over his heavy workload. There are doubts about whether Bumrah can play all matches.
India are yet to name a new Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, but Shubman Gill has emerged as the leading contender for the role. Gill was the vice-captain during India’s winning campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in March.
The final call is likely to be made soon, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar scheduled to lead a selection meeting on Saturday to announce the squad for the crucial Test series against England.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly informed the BCCI that his body can handle a maximum of three Tests per tour. The upcoming England series is also their first assignment in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.
Navjot Singh Sidhu Backs Jasprit Bumrah as Team India Test Captain
Navjot Singh Sidhu said that Jasprit Bumrah is the ideal candidate to take over India's Test captaincy. Sidhu stated that the team needs a player who leads from the front and earns respect during a transitional phase.
"Tough conditions, right? Without a captain, without a strong leader, those transitions are impossible. Who is that person who will say, I am standing in front of the line; I will lead by example? Who is that person who will instill faith in those who follow him? Who is that person who will have acceptance?," said Sidhu on his YouTube channel.
"I think it is Bumrah. And why do I talk about him? Because all the performances have come in foreign countries. Now I hear a lot of things that don't get injured. The heaviest burden in life is the things that might happen but don't," he added.
Have to Give the Signal That Shubman Gill Is Our Captain - Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu said that Shubman Gill should open the batting if he is made the captain. Sidhu stated that moving Gill down the order to No. 4 sends the wrong message. He urged Gautam Gambhir not to shield Gill.
"If you make Gill a captain in Test cricket, then make him open or play him at No. 3. Then don't put a protective shield on him. Then you will have to give the signal that he is our captain. We are investing in him for a year. And Gill opens. Then don't say that we will make him play instead of Kohli. You can't do that. Because that's a wrong signal. Because a strong man doesn't need a protective shield," said Sidhu.
The Test series between India and England will commence on June 20 in Leeds. Before the main series begins, India ‘A’ will play three matches, including an intra-squad game against the England Lions. Notably, Shubman Gill will be available for the second India ‘A’ match.
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