The sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket has left everyone in shock and now a new captain will be there for India’s upcoming tour to England. India will play against England in a five-match Test series, which will begin from June 20 and the squad is yet to be announced as well. This will also mark the beginning of 2025-27 cycle of World Test Championship as well.

Recently, Rohit Sharma took to Instagram and announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, stating that he will continue to represent India in the ODIs as well. While there are players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant have emerged as the top contenders, former selection committee chairman MSK Prasad backed Bumrah for the role.

“Why not, man? Why not? Since he’s fit now, why not?” Prasad told India Today on being asked if Jasprit Bumrah is still in contention for the captaincy.

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“You have three choices right now: Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul. These are the three options. If you’re looking at Bumrah, he will obviously play both cycles-this one and the next-so there’s nothing wrong. And whatever opportunities he’s had to lead, he’s done extremely well,” he further added.

MSK Prasad further shared that Shubman Gill is also a good choice but he first needs to maintain his good performance at No.3 position in the longer format as well.

“I think I’m okay with either of them (Gill or Bumrah). They’re considering both. I think to start off with a series like England, we don’t want anyone getting under pressure. See, I think Shubman needs one good series in England or New Zealand so he can focus on his batting. So, I think Bumrah is a fantastic leader. There’s no second thought about that. You can start with Bumrah and make Shubman vice-captain,” MSK Prasad concluded.