Will Jasprit Bumrah withdraw support from Shubman Gill after Test Captaincy feud? India legend's brutal honesty

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar revealed the reason behind Shubman Gill’s appointment as Team India’s Test captain over Jasprit Bumrah. Gavaskar said that Bumrah informed the selectors about his back issues, which might restrict his availability for all five Test matches during the England tour.

The BCCI’s choice to name Shubman Gill as the new Test captain has sparked mixed reactions. Many experts feel it’s too early to hand the leadership to the 25-year-old, who has played only 32 Tests. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah led the team during the BGT 2024-25 in Rohit Sharma's absence.

Total Team-Man and Selfless Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah - Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar shed light on the decision-making process behind India's new Test captaincy. Gavaskar said that Jasprit Bumrah’s inability to play all Tests allowed the selectors to choose Shubman Gill as captain. He added that Bumrah would continue to be a key support for Gill.

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"The fact that that total team-man and selfless cricketer named Jasprit Bumrah informed the selectors that since he may not be able to play all Test matches because of his back issue, the selectors could zero in at Gill as the new India captain, made the selection even easier.

"Make no mistake, Bumrah will be at hand for Gill to lean on to and he will also undoubtedly lead the bowling group as they try and plot the English batters' dismissals," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

The Indian Team Looks Well Balanced - Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar described the Indian squad for the England tour as well-balanced. He stated that the selectors can afford to pick 18 players. However, Gavaskar expressed concern over the tight schedule, with five Test matches packed into six weeks.

"The Indian team looks well balanced, and now with BCCI having enough funds, the selectors' jobs are a bit easier as they can pick 18 instead of the 16 that most other teams choose," he said.

"So, they have taken six new-ball users plus Nitish Reddy who can bowl lively medium pace. Yes, the tour is a cramped one with five Test matches in six weeks and so there will be a need for net bowlers as the Test bowlers would need some rest after the efforts in the back-to-back Test matches," added Gavaskar.

India Announce 18-Member Squad for Five-Test Series In England

Team India has announced an 18-player squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant named his deputy. The series is set to begin on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.

Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur have been recalled to the squad, while Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have received their maiden red-ball call-ups. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan misses out after being sidelined during the recent Border-Gavaskar series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur add depth to the lineup. The spin department, led by Ravindra Jadeja, also includes Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, supported by Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh.

Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's 2027 World Cup participation in serious doubts now