Jasprit Bumrah blocked India’s captaincy as Ajit Agarkar warned

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has opposed the idea of ​​spearhead bowling Jasprit Bumrah becoming the next captain of the Indian cricket team in the Test format. Mohammad Kaif’s response came after the Men in Blue’s 3-1 defeat against Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series.

Jasprit Bumrah captained India to their only win of the series in Perth, where they posted a resounding 295-run victory over Australia. He came in as captain for the fifth Test after Rohit Sharma was dropped due to poor form. However, the team suffered a six-wicket loss in Sydney, leading to a series defeat.

Jasprit Bumrah’s heavy workload in the BGT 2024-25 series took its toll on him

The pacer suffered a back spasm during the match in Sydney, forcing him off the field in Australia’s first innings. He batted again in India’s second innings but was unable to field for the last innings. Bumrah could take over the captaincy, with uncertainty over Rohit Sharma’s future.

Bumrah’s heavy workload during the series took its toll on him. India struggled to provide a break to their key pace throughout the series. While early results in the first two games and a draw in Brisbane gave some flexibility, the 53-over spell in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne proved too much.

BCCI should think twice before appointing Bumrah as full-time captain – Mohammad Kaif

BCCI must think twice before appointing Bumrah as full-time captain. He just needs to focus on doing work and staying fit. The added responsibility of leadership, getting carried away in the heat of the moment can lead to injury and shorten an outstanding career. Don’t kill the golden goose.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 8, 2025

Mohammad Kaif took to his social media account X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his concerns over the appointment of Jasprit Bumrah as the full-time captain of the Indian team. He urged the BCCI to think carefully before taking the decision.

The former India batsman stated that Bumrah should focus on taking wickets and staying fit, warning that the added responsibility of captaincy could lead to injuries. Kaif advised the Indian board not to risk the career of such a prominent player.

“BCCI needs to think twice before appointing Bumrah as full-time captain. He just needs to focus on getting work done and staying fit. The added responsibility of leadership, getting carried away in the moment can lead to injury and shorten an outstanding career. Don’t kill the golden goose,” Kaif wrote.

Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs in the series, but Mohammed Siraj (153.2), Mitchell Starc (157.1) and Pat Cummins (167) bowled even more. He finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.38. Bumrah won the Player of the Series award.

Jasprit Bumrah must be the Test captain – Sanjay Manjrekar

However, former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar backed Jasprit Bumrah to take over, calling it a “no brainer”. Manjrekar emphasized that Bumrah should be the captain for the upcoming series in England.

“It’s a no-brainer for me. The next Test series is in England and Bumrah has to be the Test captain,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo as quoted by India Today.

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