Jasprit Bumrah Set To Lead India In England, These 2 Stars Captaincy Back-Ups: Report

Jasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain going forward but the peerless pacer doesn't seem to be a long-term option given his nagging fitness concerns.

Jasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain going forward but the peerless pacer doesn't seem to be a long-term option given his nagging fitness concerns, the latest being a back spasm which has rendered him doubtful for next month's Champions Trophy. Indian selectors are hopeful that he still might have some role in the Champions Trophy since it's a swelling, but when one looks at the bigger picture the question arises whether he can be deemed a permanent skipper in Tests, now that Rohit's days in whites look as good as over. If Bumrah is fit and ready to lead the Test side in England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his four colleagues need to have a strong name as vice-captain so that in case of an unforeseen scenario, the deputy is good enough to take charge.

For now, in Tests, only two names are in the reckoning -- Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal -- with the former looking the most suitable for that role.

It is understood that during BCCI's review meeting on Saturday with Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit, Bumrah's issues with the lower back cropped up.

Post the review meeting, one can conclude that it is very unlikely Rohit will travel to England for the five Tests, and the 31-year-old Bumrah will certainly lead the team in the first Test at Headingley if all goes well.