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Batting great and renowned analyst Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that the national selectors give the leadership to pace leader Jasprit Bumrah as they consider a replacement for Rohit Sharma, who resigned as captain and departed from Test cricket.

Along with K.L. Rahul and Shubman Gill, Bumrah is among the front-runners to succeed Rohit as captain of the team. However, his workload and level of fitness as the leader of the Indian pace attack have been cited as major concerns, which have caused him to break down midway through a series on multiple occasions in the past.

A few months ago, he led India in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, but due to lower back issues, he was forced to miss the fifth Test in Sydney. After a protracted period of illness and recuperation, he only made a comeback during the first rounds of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Since Bumrah plays all three forms, it is believed that the captains often overbowl him, which contributes to his frequent breakdowns. However, former India captain Gavaskar believes that if Bumrah leads the squad, the bowling workload issue might be resolved.

“He is the best person to know how much work he has on his plate. Someone else would always expect more from Bumrah if you appointed them. He will understand that “yes, I need to take a break” if he is your top bowler. Jasprit Bumrah alone, in my opinion,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.

He dismissed any rumors about Bumrah’s workload and said that, as captain, Bumrah could choose how many overs would be most beneficial to him. “I am aware of all the conjecture around his workload and other related matters. Give it to him so that he can determine how many overs he needs to bowl, when he should be removed, and when he should take a break. “That would be ideal,” Gavaskar said.

It is possible that Bumrah won’t have to miss a Test match. He may be able to quit before his body begins to fail if you give it to him. Give it to him for me. There is an eight-day break after the first test. You have ample time to heal. After that, there are two consecutive Test matches. It’s okay. Then there’s another void. He would be the greatest guy to know when to bowl if you give him the leadership,” he said.

In the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Bumrah guided India to a decisive victory of 295 runs, the most runs India has ever won against Australia. When Rohit wasn’t available, he also led India in the Birmingham Test during their last tour of England.

Gavaskar does see Virat and Rohit participating in the 2027 World Cup and continuing their relationship for a very long time.

With three double hundreds, Rohit is among the best hitters in the 50-over format, while Kohli has amassed 51 ODI hundreds. They are both quite skilled in the format.

However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar does not believe that Rohit and Virat would be able to participate in the 2027 World Cup.

It all depends on how much the selectors believe they can add to the team, according to Gavaskar. “They have performed really well in this game type. Once again, the 2027 World Cup is likely to be considered by the selection committee. They will be considering their chances of making the 2027 World Cup squad. “Will they be able to continue contributing in the same manner as before?” That’s what the selecting committee will be thinking. Both of them will be present if the selection committee determines that “yes, they can,” Gavaskar said in a conversation with Sports Today.