Former India bating coach Sanjay Bangar pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah might have not been considered for Test captaincy due to the yardstick that was taken for Hardik Pandya. His remarks come amid speculations of Shubman Gill being Rohit Sharma’s successor and not the veteran pacer. The selectors are expected to make the formal announcement later this week and will also unveil India’s squad for the England series.
Why Bumrah was not considered for Test captaincy
In 2024, shortly after the T20 World Cup, the selectors decided to name Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain, snubbing Hardik. At that time, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had explained that the team needed a skipper would be a part of the playing XI in every game. By that, he hinted at Hardik’s fitness issues being the reason why he was snubbed.
Bangar reckons that this same yardstick was the reason why Bumrah wasn’t considered – his injuries coupled with workload management. Besides, reports also have claimed that the BCCI isn’t planning to give the pacer vice-captaincy either since he won’t be playing in all 5 Tests.
“The yardstick which was taken for Hardik Pandya when Suryakumar was named T20I captain…the reasoning there was that Hardik has fitness issues, he may not be available. Hence, we are looking at a player who is guaranteed a place in the playing XI. That’s how Surya was elevated to the T20I captaincy. Now, if we equate that thought process with Test captaincy as well, on that basis, Jasprit may have to miss out,” he said.
Bumrah acted as India’s stand-in captain for two Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the absence of Rohit. While the Hitman was expected to return to Tests for England series, he took everyone by surprise and announced his decision to retire just before the tour to the UK.
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