Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has opposed the idea of pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah becoming the next captain of the Indian cricket team in the Test format. Mohammad Kaif's response came after the Men in Blue's 3-1 defeat against Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series.
Jasprit Bumrah led India to their only series win in Perth, where they secured an emphatic 295-run win over Australia. He stepped in as captain for the fifth Test after Rohit Sharma was ruled out due to poor form. However, the team suffered a six-wicket loss in Sydney, resulting in a series defeat.
Jasprit Bumrah's heavy workload in the BGT 2024-25 series has affected him
The pacer suffered a back spasm during the match in Sydney, forcing him off the field in Australia's first innings. He returned to bat in India's second innings but was unable to take the field for the final innings. Bumrah could take over the captaincy with uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's future.
Bumrah's heavy workload during the series took a toll on him. India struggled to provide a rest for their key batsman throughout the series. While early finishes in the first two games and a draw in Brisbane provided some flexibility, the 53-over stretch in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne proved too much.
BCCI should think twice before appointing Bumrah as full-time captain – Mohammad Kaif
BCCI should think twice before appointing Bumrah as full-time captain. He just needs to focus on taking classes and staying in shape. The added responsibility of driving, being taken in the middle of the day can lead to injuries and cut short a great career. Don't kill the golden goose.
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 8, 2025
Mohammad Kaif took to his social media account X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his concern over the appointment of Jasprit Bumrah as the full-time captain of the Indian team. He urged the BCCI to think carefully before taking the decision.
The former India batsman said Bumrah should focus on taking wickets and staying fit, warning that the extra responsibility of captaincy could lead to injuries. Kaif advised the Indian board not to risk the career of such an outstanding player.
“BCCI should think twice before appointing Bumrah as full-time captain. He just needs to focus on taking classes and staying in shape. An added responsibility of driving, getting carried away in the heat of the moment can lead to injuries and cut short a great career. Don't kill. the golden goose,” Kaif wrote.
Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs in the series, but Mohammed Siraj (153.2), Mitchell Starc (157.1) and Pat Cummins (167) did even more. He finished as the series leader, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.38. Bumrah won the Player of the Series award.
Jasprit Bumrah must be Test captain – Sanjay Manjrekar
However, former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar backed Jasprit Bumrah to take over, calling it “an impatience”. Manjrekar pointed out that Bumrah should captain the upcoming series in England.
“It's a no-brainer for me. The next Test series is in England and Bumrah has to be the Test captain,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo, as quoted by India Today.
Read also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Saim Ayub surprisingly included in Pakistan squad despite injury concerns