Not Shubman Gill, Anil Kumble backs another Team India star to captain in ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former India skipper Anil Kumble has backed star pacer Jasprit Bumrah to lead the team in the upcoming Tests against England ahead of Shubman Gill. The remarks came after erstwhile captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format on May 7.

Kumble firmly believes Bumrah, who served as Rohit’s deputy in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia, should take the leadership role for the five-match Test series in England, which begins on June 20.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the vice-captain (undecided so far) should take charge if there’s an injury to the pacer. The statement came as Bumrah sustained an injury during the fifth BGT Test in January, where he was the captain in Rohit's absence. The 31-year-old could not bowl in the second innings, as India lost by six wickets.

Anil Kumble told ESPNcricinfo (via NDTV):

“Maybe just for this series (against England), go with Bumrah, and then see how his fitness is. I know it's not easy being a fast bowler. He's had injuries, he was on a break after the Australia series, and is only coming into this IPL. But I'd still go with Bumrah. Whenever that happens (injury), the vice-captain comes in and takes over."

Under Bumrah's leadership, India had beaten Australia by 295 runs in the first Test despite being bundled out for 150 in the first innings. With 32 wickets in five matches, he emerged as the Player of the Series.

Meanwhile, Gill has gone from strength to strength as a skipper in the IPL. The 25-year-old has led the Gujarat Titans (GT) to 13 wins in 23 matches at a win percentage of 56.52. As a skipper, he has amassed 934 runs in those games, including one ton and seven half-centuries. However, Tests are a different ball game.

“You can start with Bumrah” – Former India selector backs Jasprit Bumrah to lead in IND vs ENG Test series

Former India selector MSK Prasad believes Jasprit Bumrah should lead the side in the five-match Test series in England. The 50-year-old opined that Shubman Gill should focus on his batting. He said (via India Today):

“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”, he added.

Shubman Gill managed 93 runs in five innings (three Tests) during the 2024-25 BGT, where Australia beat India by a 3-1 margin. As far as away Tests are concerned, the right-hander has scored 716 runs in 28 innings at an average of 27.54, including one ton and two fifties.