Because of India's disappointing performance in the last match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has made a tough case for the current superstar in the India team to be selected as the full-time captain of the Indian Test team. This comes amid intense scrutiny on the leadership and behavior of major players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohliwho were criticized for their useless contributions and bat.
A change in leadership
Manjrekar's endorsement of the pacer is especially important given India's recent woes. After losing that list Australia 1-3, questions arose over Rohit's future as captain, especially given his lackluster form – he managed just 31 runs across five innings in the series. Manjrekar also said that Rohit's decision to sit out Tests due to form issues is affecting his role as a leader. In contrast, the popularity of bowling in India Jasprit BumrahA brief stint as captain in two Tests in Australia showed his potential, despite his current concerns.
Also READ: Mohammad Kaif warns against appointing Jasprit Bumrah as India's Test captain
Manjrekar has chosen the Indian captaincy
Manjrekar explained his rationale ESPNcricinfosays, “It makes no sense to me. The next Test is in England and Bumrah is expected to be the Test captain. Rohit Sharma as a batsman did not perform well considering NZ's loss at home and was also left out of the playing XI as he did not agree with them. There are a lot of uncertainties around him and I think Bumrah is at the top of his game. . There was nothing in Australia's list that we felt was not captaincy material.”
He insisted that Bumrah's ability as a bowler and his recent achievements show that he is ready to take over the captaincy. While admitting concerns about Bumrah's fitness – he left the last Test in Sydney due to injury – Manjrekar suggested that Bumrah could take part in less demanding doubles sessions, thereby managing his career more effectively.
“If he is not well or if he is missing, we will think about who will lead the team. There is a lot of international sports going on. You have to see and choose who you play. He can rest in two parts in the series at home. Choose your playing list, and make Bumrah their captain,Manjrekar added
Bumrah's captaincy in the Perth Test, where India won, showed his ability to lead the team well. Manjrekar believes that with careful planning, Bumrah can lead India in the marquee series without compromising his health or career.
Controlling group selection problems
In addition to promoting Bumrah's captaincy, Manjrekar also highlighted the importance of choosing a vice-captain who is not only capable of building on his own resources but also able to step up when needed. He said that he did not know who should take the role but insisted that he should be the person who should be included in the playing XI.
The former cricketer said that the discussion of players like Shubman Gill entering into leadership positions should be established in their appearance and what they are providing to the group.
“The appointment of a vice-captain is important, I don't know who it will be. But I know there are guys who shouldn't be. There are guys who would like to be, but the first thing you want is for the vice-captain to get into the team based on his performance. There was talk of Shubman Gill moving in as Australia's vice-captain, but look how things have changed,” he concluded by pointing out that the position of leadership should show respect rather than privilege.
As India prepares for its upcoming Test series against England, Bumrah's call-up as captain marks a major change in the mindset and philosophy of the leadership. With Rohit's future uncertain and senior players under pressure, Manjrekar's endorsement of Bumrah could herald a new era in Indian cricket – one that prioritizes excellence and innovation over tradition.