Sunil Gavaskar endorses Jasprit Bumrah as Test captain for upcoming Australia tour

As India prepares for its upcoming five-match Test series in Australia starting November 22, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has voiced his support for Jasprit Bumrah to lead the team. This suggestion comes in light of current captain Rohit Sharma's uncertain participation in the first Test due to injury concerns.

Rohit has informed BCCI officials about his doubts regarding playing in the first Test in Perth. As a precaution, the selectors have added Abhimanyu Easwaran to the squad as a third opener. Gavaskar believes that if Rohit is unable to play in the first Test, Bumrah should be appointed as the captain for the entire series.

Gavaskar explained that taking on captaincy under such pressure would be challenging, especially after India's recent 3-0 defeat to New Zealand at home. He emphasized that it’s crucial for the captain to be present for the first Test. 

“It’s different if he is injured, but if he is not available, then the deputy leader will be under a lot of pressure,” Gavaskar said.

He further advised the selectors to consider Bumrah as the captain throughout the Australia tour if Rohit cannot participate in the first match. 

“I feel that the selection committee should appoint Jasprit Bumrah the captain of the side for the entire Australia tour,” he further added.

On another note, Gavaskar discussed India's chances in the series, acknowledging the need for a 4-0 win to secure a place in the World Test Championship final. However, he expressed skepticism about achieving such a feat against Australia. Instead, he encouraged the players to focus on winning the series without worrying about the World Test Championship standings. 

“Go and win. Because that is how all of us Indian cricket fans are going to be back to feeling good again,” he concluded.