Simon Katich backs Jasprit Bumrah to take over Test captaincy from Rohit Sharma

Former Australian batter Simon Katich has supported the idea of Jasprit Bumrah taking over the Test captaincy baton from Rohit Sharma. Bumrah led India to a mammoth win of 295 runs at Perth as he returned with impressive figures of 8-72 and also bagged Player of the Match.

Katich noted India looked flat under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Rohit could only score 31 runs in five innings at a paltry average of 6.20 and thus could lead from the front.

Rohit also decided to opt out of the Sydney Test because of poor form but India suffered a six-wicket loss after Bumrah was ruled out of the second innings due to a back injury.

Simon Katich said on Around the Wicket podcast, “We also saw the senior players go with him. Virat Kohli was fully of energy and spirit in the field late on Day 1. He ( Bumrah) is at the peak of his powers so he has to be captain moving forward because when you look at Rohit, it was a disjointed campaign for him. He averaged just over 6 and the warning signs are there for him.”

“Without a doubt in my mind, has to be Bumrah. We saw the spirit India played with particularly in Perth on Day 1 and for the rest of that Test match when they were rolled over for 150.That Test could have easily gone the other way but we saw him lead the charge with the ball, knock over the top order and get Australia in huge amount of pressure.”

The former RCB head coach highlighted that chief coach Gautam Gambhir will need to ask some tough questions in the dressing room regarding Rohit Sharma’s form.

“It’s been brewing probably for the last six months with his form and he’s 37 now. So I Think Gambhir has got some tough questions to ask in these next few months. There are going to be some questions asked of him but with the team in transition, he’s going to have to make some tough calls in the next few months,” said Katich.

India will next take on England in five T20Is and three ODIs.