Due to workload issues, renowned Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has expressed concern about Jasprit Bumrah taking over as India's permanent Test captain. Gilchrist stated that he would not be shocked if Virat Kohli agreed to assume the leadership role in the game's longest format once again. He also showed concern over Rohit Sharma's future in the purest format of the game.
India suffered a brutal loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which raised a lot of questions about the team's future in red-ball format. In the five-Test series, which India lost 1-3, senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggled for form. Citing his form, Rohit decided not to play in the fifth Test, although he made it clear he was not thinking about retiring. The Indian captain alluded to a potential comeback to the Test arena while acknowledging the erratic nature of cricket form.
The criticism has increased since India did not make it to the World Test Championship final. On June 20, they will begin a five-match series in England as their next Test assignment and the first one of the new WTC cycle.
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Gilchrist on Rohit Sharma
It is uncertain if the team management and selections will take risks with the two ageing stars' futures. However, Gilchrist had doubts that Rohit will play international cricket after the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19.
"I don't see Rohit going to England. He says, 'he is going to assess when he gets home.' I mean, the first thing he is going to be met with when he does get home is a two-month-old baby that he has to change nappies on. I don't see him pressing on. I think he will probably have a crack at the Champions Trophy. They have got some white-ball cricket coming up against England. Then they go to the Champions Trophy. I reckon he might have a crack at that, and then that might see him out," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast.
Jasprit Bumrah is the designated vice-captain and a serious contender for the full-time position. He even captained the team in Perth while Rohit Sharma was away and guided India to victory in 1st Test. He later also led the side in Sydney Test. His ambitions to be captain, however, might be hampered by worries about handling his workload. In the last innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match in Sydney, Bumrah was unable to bowl. India was unable to defend a target of 162 without its best pacer, who took a record-breaking 32 wickets in five Test matches. During the last innings of the Sydney Test, Kohli served as the acting captain.
Gilchrist on Bumrah being next Test captain of India
Gilchrist predicted that Bumrah might not be able to make it as the full-time Test captain of India and that the management might again turn towards Virat Kohli. However, he also forecasted a tough period ahead for the Indian side in the longest format of the game.
"Change of leadership? I don't know whether Bumrah should be full-time captain. I reckon that might get a little bit challenging for him. So, who the next captain maybe is anyone's guess, really. Whether they go back to Virat, I wouldn't be surprised if he wouldn't mind doing it," Gilchrist said.
"It's a challenging period coming up for India. They have got ready-made replacements. The IPL has produced a number of talented players that are lined across every position, 1-11, that they could draw on. But, it doesn't mean that it's instant success in international cricket. I think they could be in for a challenging little period. If the England bowlers are fit in the England home summer, I think England will be dominating the series," he added.