World Cup Winner Urges BCCI to Rethink

As India steps into a new era of Test cricket, many big changes are taking place. With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin no longer part of the red-ball setup, the Indian team is looking for fresh faces to take over.

Among them, Shubman Gill is being seen as a possible Test captain. But former cricketer Kris Srikkanth has raised serious doubts over this idea.

Kris Srikkanth Backs Bumrah Over Gill for Captaincy

Kris Srikkanth, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, believes Gill is not yet ready to lead in Test cricket. According to him, Gill is not even a confirmed member of the playing XI, so giving him the captaincy could be risky. Instead, he feels that Jasprit Bumrah is a better choice.

“Shubman Gill? I don’t think he is still a certainty in the XI,” Srikkanth told India Today. “You’re not handing the captaincy to KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant. Otherwise, give it to Jasprit Bumrah.”

He further explained that Bumrah should be made the full-time captain, and whenever he is rested or injured, Rahul or Pant can step in as vice-captains.

“Gill Has Not Proven Himself in Tough Conditions”

Srikkanth also questioned the selection committee’s decision to back Gill for the captaincy role. He believes the selectors are rushing into a decision without giving Gill enough time to settle in Test cricket.

“A lot is being said about Shubman Gill, but he is yet to score big runs. In England, Australia, South Africa – he has never scored. That means you’re thrusting everything on him. Let him first establish himself. He is a king in home conditions,” Srikkanth said.

Srikkanth Wanted Kohli to Continue

Talking about Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, Srikkanth said he would have tried to stop him from stepping down. He feels the BCCI should have had a serious conversation with Kohli and requested him to continue, at least for a short time.

“If I were the selection committee chairman, I would’ve personally requested him to stay. I’d have asked him to captain India for six more months or a year. Kohli was India’s best Test captain,” Srikkanth added.

With India entering a new phase in Test cricket, the search for a strong leader continues. Whether Gill will rise to the occasion or someone else like Bumrah takes over remains to be seen.