Who will lead India in Test format? Ashwin picks Bumrah and Jadeja

With Indian cricket team ODI and T20 captain Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket and former captain Virat Kohli also retiring from the longest format, India now finds itself at a crucial turning point. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection committee have to choose its new red-ball captain ahead of the five-match home series against England starting on June 20, 2025.

25-year-old Shubman Gill is currently seen as the top choice, but veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reminded everyone that names like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja deserve equal attention.

Is it too soon for Shubman Gil to take the mantle as the Indian Test format captain?

Indian opening batter Shubman Gill is being groomed for leadership and has already led Gujarat Titans in the IPL. According to recent reports, Gill met head coach Gautam Gambhir and could be officially announced as the Test captain before the England series. His calm presence and strong performances make him a promising option.

But Ashwin believes it’s too early to hand him full control. He feels Gill could serve as an understudy to someone more experienced. “Why not make him learn from a senior first?” he said on his YouTube channel. 

 The 38-year-old off-spin bowler also put forward Jasprit Bumrah, who has led India in three Tests, as a strong candidate. Despite past back injuries, Ashwin compared Bumrah to Australia’s Pat Cummins, who also had injury troubles but now captains in all formats.

Then there’s Ravindra Jadeja, now India’s most experienced red-ball player after Rohit and Kohli’s retirement. He has over 300 wickets and 3000-plus runs but has never captained the Test team. His venture as the captain for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL is regarded as quite underwhelming. Still, Ashwin thinks Jadeja’s all-round quality and experience make him a serious option.

May 6: Shubman Gill met chief selector Ajit Agarkar
May 7: Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket
May 12: Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket.

But...

April 19: Shubman Gill had a meeting with Gautam Gambhir at his residence for 4-5 hours when Delhi Capitals hosted Gujarat… pic.twitter.com/SilU4z1elw

— Sahil Bakshi (@SBakshi13) May 16, 2025

 He even suggested something new, asking each contender to present their long-term vision for Indian Test cricket, like they do in the Australian cricket team. That way, the captain isn’t just picked on instinct, but also on ideas and leadership qualities.

As the selectors prepare for a big decision, Ashwin’s comments have added weight to the conversation. Gill may be in pole position, but the calls to back someone with more experience, especially in the post-Kohli and post-Rohit era cannot be ignored.