India's 1983 World Cup-winning bowler Madan Lal has named the player who he thinks should lead India in Test cricket after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the tour. Weeks ahead of the England tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce India's new Test captain. While Shubman Gill has turned out to be the frontrunner for the leadership role, Lal has backed pace-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to do the job.
"I feel that Jasprit Bumrah is the right person to lead India. Fitness is a different thing, but if he is available and fit, then he is the first choice," Lal told PTI Videos.
Bumrah as Test captain
Bumrah has led India in three Tests. His Test debut as captain was against England in the rescheduled Test. His first victory as Test captain came at Perth Stadium when Rohit was on paternity leave. He took over captaincy in Sydney Test where his injury hurt India's chances of winning the game and levelling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Shastri wants Bumrah's workload managed
Meanwhile, Lal's former teammate and former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri feels that the BCCI should managed Bumrah's workload. Shastri does not want Bumrah to play all five Tests on the England tour as he has recently returned to action after recovering from an injury picked up during Sydney Test.
"I would be very, very careful [with Bumrah]," Shastri had said while speaking in The ICC Review.
"I would give him two Test matches at a time and then wait for the break. Ideally, make him play four. You'll be tempted to make him play five if he starts off in a great manner, but it's how his body pulls up. He should be given the first opportunity to say, 'Yes, a little, [I am] feeling the niggle. A break would help.' Give him that break."
Lal on Rohit retiring from Test cricket
Lal also reacted to Rohit retiring from the Test format. He wasn't confirmed about Rohit's form and feels that taking retirement is a 'personal decision' taken after much thought.
“Look, when such big players are brought in, there's no space left in the team. They automatically become the first choice. But form can come at any time. What about form? Fine, their performance hasn't been great. But whatever decision they made regarding retirement, it's a personal decision. They must have thought it through, that's why they took that decision,” Lal said.