Ravichandran Ashwin did not choose Shubman Gill, gave two different names for the new India Test captain
After retiring from international cricket in December 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin has now chosen his favorite Test captain. After Rohit Sharma bid goodbye to Test cricket, Indian selectors are in search of a new and strong leader. Many people believe that Shubman Gill can become the next captain, but Ashwin ignored his name and named two other players as his favourites.
A series of five Test matches is going to be played between India and England, which will start from 20 June. The first match will be played at the Headingley stadium in Leeds, while the fifth and final Test will be held at the Kennington Oval in London, which will run till the first week of August.
The England team has always been strong in red-ball cricket in its home conditions, so Team India needs an impactful and tactical captain. The selection committee will soon announce the name of the new captain along with the squad for the England tour.
Ashwin’s favourites: Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja
Former off-spinner R. Ashwin, during his YouTube interview, while talking to ex-Tamil Nadu cricketer Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, said that for him Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are the best contenders for captaincy.
Ashwin said, “Everyone is talking about making Shubman Gill the captain, but according to me Jasprit Bumrah is a strong option, and Ravindra Jadeja should also not be ignored. If a new guy has to be made the captain, then Gill can be kept under an experienced player for 2 years so that he can learn.”
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Ashwin’s vision-based selection idea
Ashwin also suggested that like countries like Australia, India should also seek presentations from its captaincy candidates on the team’s future vision.
He said, “Why not call 3-4 potential leaders and ask them what their vision is for the team? They can put forward their ideas through a presentation. Look at Pat Cummins, he also had a back injury once, but today he is the captain of both Tests and ODIs for Australia.”
Bumrah should not be ignored
Ashwin further said, “Bumrah is a national treasure for us. He should also be questioned about captaincy. Will he play five Tests? Can he become a full-time captain? He also had a back stress fracture earlier, but I am sure he will take this responsibility seriously. For me, his name should be at the top of the list.”
It is also worth remembering that Jasprit Bumrah captained Team India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 when Rohit Sharma was not available. He led the first and fifth Tests, of which India won the first match, it was his only win of the series.
Ravindra Jadeja has also become the top all-rounder in the ICC Test rankings, which makes his leadership potential even stronger.
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