Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has warned against making pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit Sharma’s successor to lead the Indian team. Kaif feels that the additional responsibility could be a burden on the all-format bowler which could hamper his fitness and longevity.
Kaif suggested that the team should look more towards a batter to lead the side. He proposed that either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul be handed the leadership duties to ensure stability and performance.
“The BCCI should think twice before appointing Jasprit Bumrah as the full-time captain,” Kaif posted on X.
“He needs to focus solely on taking wickets and staying fit. Added leadership responsibilities and getting carried away in the heat of the moment can lead to injuries and potentially shorten an outstanding career. Don’t kill the golden goose.” he added.
Kaif also reflected on Bumrah’s fitness record as a key concern when looking at him as a captaincy candidate. Keeping that in mind, he feels that a batter would be more suited due to the lesser physical demands on the body.
“Rishabh and KL have done captaincy in the IPL, so one of them can be a good choice,” Kaif said.
“Bumrah becoming Rohit Sharma’s successor is not the right idea because he is the only bowler who puts his life out for the team and takes a huge load of pressure with very little support. This is the reason he gets injured repeatedly,” he added.
Bumrah has had brief opportunities to captain India, stepping in during the Perth Test when Rohit was on paternity leave and later in the Sydney Test when the regular skipper opted out after a poor run of form.
He also led India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England in 2022 and a three-match T20I series in Ireland the following year.
Bumrah was a class apart during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. He pulled out midway through the fifth Test in Sydney after suffering back spasms and didn’t bowl during Australia’s second innings.
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