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June 8, 2025 – New Delhi: Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on India's leadership decision, stating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the right call by not naming Jasprit Bumrah as the captain of the Test team. According to Ponting, the pacer’s recurring injuries over the past few years have hindered his ability to consistently feature in matches, making him a risky option for a leadership role.
Bumrah, who has been one of India’s premier fast bowlers, was sidelined for nearly a year due to a back injury from 2022 to mid-2023. Though he returned to international cricket with a strong performance—most notably playing a vital role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win—his injury concerns persist. He was again ruled out of the final Test of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia due to fitness issues.
Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting commented, “I actually think it's the right move. I know a lot of people are questioning why Bumrah wasn’t made captain and why Shubman Gill was chosen, but the reason seems pretty clear. Bumrah’s injuries have been holding him back, and that can’t happen with a captain.”
Ponting emphasized the importance of consistency in leadership roles and noted that a captain frequently missing games can affect team stability. “You need a leader who is present all the time. Now that they’ve handed the captaincy to Shubman, it’s important they support him and give him time to grow into the role,” he added.
Meanwhile, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir recently confirmed that the team management plans to manage Bumrah’s workload carefully. He is expected to play only three of the five upcoming Test matches against England, although the exact fixtures he’ll be part of are yet to be decided.
Despite his fitness concerns, Bumrah enjoyed a stellar 2024. He was honored as both the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and ICC Cricketer of the Year. The right-arm pacer took 71 wickets in 13 Tests at an impressive average of 14.92, including five five-wicket hauls.
As India prepares for another demanding home series, Bumrah's fitness and form remain crucial. However, the focus will also be on Shubman Gill, who now carries the responsibility of leading the Test side through a transitional phase.