Ishant Sharma Names Jasprit Bumrah as Top Pick for India Test Captaincy

Seasoned pacer Ishant Sharma is supporting Jasprit Bumrah to captain the Indian side on the English tour and opined that the task can be entrusted to Shubman Gill only if the unbeatable fast bowler is not fit enough to complete the entire five-match Test series. The captaincy discussion has gained momentum after Rohit Sharma’s decision to retire from Test cricket, weeks ahead of the Indian team’s leaving for England for the series that will take place from June 20 to August 4.

“If Bumrah is fit, I would say Bumrah. That’s first choice. He is the only one who has so much experience. But if he won’t play all the five Tests matches, then obviously Shubman,” Ishant Sharma said on Saturday in response to a PTI query on Star Sports Press Room.

Bumrah’s Fitness a Key Factor

Bumrah, 31, also led India in the 2022 England Test series, rescheduled fifth Test and then in the first and fifth Test of 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. His fitness issues still linger.

The pacer had had a back surgery two years ago because of an injury caused by stress and lost a significant portion of international cricket, including India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign after he departed from the field on the second day of the Sydney Test in January. He came back to action for the IPL.

Gill, aged 25, has impressed playing as the captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL and has led them to sitting atop the table this season.

Ishant Sharma on Kohli’s Sudden Test Retirement

Virat Kohli on Monday retired from Test cricket, lowering the curtains on an incredible career during which he amassed 9,230 runs at a batting average of 46.85 in 123 matches, including 30 centuries.

In response to the news, Ishant Sharma admitted he was shocked by the move, particularly given Kohli’s phenomenal fitness level and discipline.

“I think he is mature. He knows what he is doing. I didn’t really talk to him after he took retirement. But everyone knows as long as you are playing, it is important to be as normal as you can be. And that is why I have friendship with Virat. We have never tried to put anything on our head,” Ishant said on the eve of their IPL match against Delhi Capitals.

“At the end of the day, we are human beings. And we are good friends. He knows what he wants in life and he must have talked to someone. That’s why he made such a big decision. Yes, I was surprised. Because he could have played for at least 2-3 years more. He could have played till 40.” Speaking further on Kohli, Ishant said, “And right now, the kind of routine he follows and everything… I am not talking about numbers that he should have scored 10,000. That is a different thing.

“Talk about fitness first. If you are fit, you can score 10,000. You can take 500 wickets. You can play as long as you want. But his fitness is the answer even at 36.”