According to many reports, Jasprit Bumrah is not the front-runner to be India's next Test captain. This stunned former player Sanjay Manjrekar. Manjrekar asked why the selectors are looking at alternatives to the top pacer in a sharply worded post on X (previously Twitter).

"I am shocked that we are looking at any other option other than Bumrah as Test captain! Worried about his injuries? Then choose your vice-captain carefully," Manjrekar wrote.

Manjrekar's comments coincide with the mounting rumour that Shubman Gill, the ODI vice captain, is the front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma, who retired from the longest format recently.

Bumrah led India in the first and fifth Test matches while serving as vice-captain during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. But halfway through the final game in Sydney, he was forced to leave due to a back stress injury, ending his stint. Given the physical demands of fast bowling, the setback caused him to miss more than three months of activity and raised questions about his long-term fitness.

Manjrekar maintains that Bumrah is still India's most worthy contender in spite of those reservations. He is not the only one who thinks that. Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India, has previously praised Bumrah, arguing that the bowler could be better able to handle his workload with the additional responsibilities.

Concerns over Jasprit Bumrah's fitness were also disregarded by former India top selector MSK Prasad, who persuaded the selection committee to choose him captain for the England Tests.

The BCCI's selectors are allegedly treading lightly, despite Bumrah's strong backing from both fans and commentators because of his ability to win matches and his keen cricketing mind. He is at serious risk because of his history of recurrent back injuries, especially stress fractures. Given how demanding Test cricket is, particularly when played abroad, another setback might have a major effect on his longevity.

KL Rahul is one of the other names being considered; he has led India on and off and is now playing well. He may act as a temporary leader at age 33, allowing the group to develop a long-term replacement.

In the meantime, Shubman Gill's campaign keeps gaining traction due to both his on-field accomplishments and his developing off-field reputation. He is seen by many as Virat Kohli's logical successor in terms of charisma and marketability, making him an important player for Indian cricket going forward.

Another candidate is Rishabh Pant. Although he has a track record of winning matches in the format, his future may depend on how well he gets along with head coach Gautam Gambhir.

A new World Test Championship cycle and a new era for India sans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin will begin on June 20 with the opening of the five-Test series at Headingley.

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