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The rumors that national team selectors are looking at alternatives to star pacer Jasprit Bumrah to lead the team in the longest format have intensified as a result of India’s stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hanging up their Test jerseys after stellar careers in five days. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar responded to the reports.

Reports suggested that the primary speedster was not the front-runner to lead India in the upcoming Test match, which “surprised” Manjrekar.

Manjrekar said on X, “I am stunned that we are looking at any other possibility other than Bumrah as Test skipper! I wonder why the selectors are contemplating alternatives to the premier bowler! Concerned about his wounds? Next, choose your vice captain wisely.

Manjrekar’s remarks follow the social media flurry of rumors that ODI vice-captain Shubman Gill was the front-runner to succeed Rohit following his retirement.

Along with KL 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.

Only after the first few rounds of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 matches did the star bowler return to play after undergoing extensive surgery and recuperation. Since Bumrah plays all three forms, it is believed that the captains often overbowl him, which contributes to his frequent breakdowns.