By The Captaincy That Slipped Away
The India Test captaincy seemed destined for Jasprit Bumrah—until that fateful January 4 morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Holding his back, Bumrah quietly left for a scan, and with that, the tide of leadership started turning against him. His absence affected India’s chances in the final Test against Australia and raised concerns about his long-term fitness for the leadership role.
Sanjay Manjrekar: “Why Look Beyond Bumrah?”
Many in the cricketing fraternity have voiced surprise at Bumrah being sidelined from the captaincy race. Former cricketer and respected analyst Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I am shocked that we are looking at option other than Bumrah as Test captain. Worried about his injuries? Then choose your vice-captain carefully.”
Gambhir’s Influence and the Gill Factor
Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s recent visit to Mumbai, reportedly to offer prayers at the Siddhivinayak Temple, sparked speculation. Rumors suggested that Shubman Gill’s elevation to Test captain was still not final. However, with a prolonged strategy meeting between Gambhir and Gill in Delhi a few days ago, it appears the decision is all but sealed.
Though whispers of discontent from behind-the-scenes influencers in Indian cricket exist, it’s unlikely that Gill was chosen without consensus. The decision reflects confidence in his leadership potential.
Bumrah’s Bitter Reality: From Contender to Bystander
At 31, Jasprit Bumrah now faces a harsh reality—India’s long-term Test captaincy may no longer be within reach. Even though he’s considered one of the sharpest cricketing minds in the squad, doubts around his physical durability cloud the selectors’ trust. Can Bumrah realistically play five consecutive Tests without breakdown? The record suggests it’s a gamble.
His history of injuries, including a near-year-long absence before the 2022 T20 World Cup, has made selectors cautious. Unlike off-field controversies that prevented someone like Shane Warne from captaining Australia, Bumrah’s limitation is purely physical.
Leadership Dynamics: Gill, Gambhir, and the Bumrah Balance
With Shubman Gill likely taking over, the challenge now shifts to dressing room dynamics. How Bumrah processes this snub and continues to perform could define India’s future campaigns. It’s a test not just for him, but also for Gambhir and Gill as leaders.
Gautam Gambhir is known to eschew “star culture” in favor of equality within the team. However, even in a balanced environment, there are players who are “more equal than others”—and Bumrah, undoubtedly, is one of them. Managing his presence and giving him space will be crucial.
Match-Winners Must Be Protected
In Indian cricket’s current Test setup, only two players can truly change the game in any condition: Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. Such rare talents must be nurtured and sometimes, even pampered. Bumrah doesn’t require much coaching; what he needs is empathy, understanding, and trust.
The Bigger Picture: Symphony or Cacophony?
If managed well, Bumrah can be the linchpin of India’s bowling attack, with Gambhir as the visionary director of a match-winning orchestra. But without emotional and strategic support, even the most gifted player can feel alienated—and that harmony could quickly spiral into dissonance. Jasprit Bumrah, once viewed as India’s future Test captain, now finds himself sidelined due to ongoing injury concerns. Despite his exceptional talent and leadership qualities, a single injury in Sydney changed everything for him. As Gautam Gambhir supports Shubman Gill for the captaincy, Bumrah’s dreams of leading the team grow more distant. Sanjay Manjrekar has questioned this decision, urging that faith should be placed in Bumrah. However, managing a fragile body in such a demanding format is a significant risk. Moving forward, it is essential to approach Bumrah’s situation with empathy, balance, and respect, as he remains a rare match-winner in Indian cricket.
