Sanjay Manjrekar backs Jasprit Bumrah as India’s next Test captain

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind Jasprit Bumrah to take over India’s Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Manjrekar reckons Bumrah’s workload management should not become a hurdle in his appointment as India’s next Test captain. It has been reported that Shubman Gill is all set to be named as India’s Test captain.

Furthermore, it has been reported by Sky Sports that Bumrah has opted out of the captaincy. Bumrah led India in two Test matches on the Australian tour, winning one and losing one.

The gun fast bowler had bagged 32 wickets in five Test matches at a staggering average of 13.06. Earlier, Bumrah had also led against England while playing in English conditions.

Manjrekar noted that the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missed Test matches due to personal reasons.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on Instagram video, “Rohit Sharma missed two Test matches in Australia recently as captain. Virat Kohli has opted out of the Indian team for personal reasons while being captain. So why is the availability, whether it’s injury or any other reason being used against Jasprit Bumrah? I just feel that’s wrong.”

Manjrekar added that Bumrah should be made India’s new Test skipper even if he is fit for a half Test match.

“I just feel from all angles that you think about, it’s just bizarre that we are looking beyond Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Test captain for the England tour. If he’s fit for two Test matches, you make Bumrah the captain for those two Test matches. If he’s fit for half a Test match, make him the captain.”

Bumrah has the experience under his belt and there is no doubt that he deserves the captaincy. 

India will play the first Test match against England at Leeds, Headingley, on June 20.