India’s 16-member squad for the first Test against Bangladesh was announced on Sunday, September 8. Among the names listed, Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion was one of the most unexpected, especially considering he was anticipated to be rested due to the packed schedule ahead for the team. Additionally, the selectors chose not to appoint any vice-captain, a decision that has left many puzzled.
Bumrah previously served as India’s vice-captain in the home series against England, held prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, in a surprising turn of events, the fast bowler has not been designated as skipper Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the newly announced squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not provide any explanation for this change in their press release, leading to widespread confusion regarding the vice-captaincy role in the Indian team.
This has sparked a debate: Is Bumrah no longer a contender for India’s captaincy? Could the BCCI be considering another player for the role? The absence of press conferences during the squad announcement has contributed to the lack of clarity on squad selections, and the latest vice-captaincy confusion adds to the list of unanswered questions.
For those unaware, Bumrah has already led India in one Test match and two T20 Internationals (T20Is) against England and Ireland, respectively. Under his captaincy, India lost the Test match but won both T20Is against Ireland. Bumrah has often advocated for bowlers making better captains, describing them as ‘smart people’.
“I feel the bowlers are the smart people because, you know, they have to get the batsman out, and we are obviously always fighting the odds because the grounds are shorter, the bats are better. I don’t remember any article or any technology coming that’s helping the bowlers to swing the ball a lot more,” Bumrah stated in a conversation with the Indian Express.
He further elaborated, “Obviously, people enjoy the ball being thrown around and like to see sixes being hit. That’s okay. So I feel that because bowlers are fighting the odds and have to do the hard job and not hide behind a bat.
. They’re not hiding behind a flat wicket. We’re right in the firing line.”
The recent development has undoubtedly left the question of India’s Test vice-captain unanswered. It remains uncertain whether Bumrah has been informed of this decision. His workload could potentially be a factor if the selectors are reluctant to consider him for future captaincy roles. However, there are indications that the selectors might be eyeing Shubman Gill as the next captain. Gill has been named the captain for the Zimbabwe T20Is and the vice-captain for the Sri Lanka series in July-August.
Further illustrating the complexity of the situation, a few related stories have emerged, adding to the speculation and confusion around India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. For instance, there’s ongoing debate about whether Rahul or Sarfaraz will make it to India’s Playing XI for the Test, as well as updates on players like Rinku Singh participating in the Duleep Trophy and Sarfaraz featuring in the second round.
New Zealand has also announced their squad, with prominent players like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates set to feature in their ninth Women’s T20 World Cup, highlighting the dynamic nature of international cricket team selections at present.
In the midst of this, Bumrah’s continued exclusion from a leadership role could be a strategic decision to manage his workload and preserve his fitness given the demanding schedule. Conversely, it may reflect a shift in the team’s leadership strategy. Only time will tell if this exclusion is temporary or indicative of a longer-term plan.
The BCCI’s silence on the matter could also be viewed as a tactical move, allowing room for future adjustments based on performance and fitness levels. As India’s cricket team gears up for the first Test against Bangladesh, the selection and its implications continue to be a topic of significant interest and speculation among fans and experts alike.
