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Why Has BCCI Named Jasprit Bumrah As Vice-Captain Over Shubman Gill For New Zealand Series?

Jasprit Bumrah has been named vice-captain for NZ series (Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com)Jasprit Bumrah has been named vice-captain for NZ series (Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com)

The Board of control for cricket in India on Friday, October 12th announced a 15-member squad for three-match Test series against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the side as expected, but the selectors have made one notable change by mentioning Jasprit Bumrah as the designated vice-captain of the side. 

India did not have a vice-captain for the Bangladesh Test series recently, and there were rumours that Shubman Gill would be the next vice-captain and eventually replace Rohit Sharma when he retires from the format. So, why has BCCI gone with Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain for the New Zealand Test series? Let's find out.

Jasprit Bumrah's Experience A Key Factor In Rohit's Absence

Jasprit Bumrah has earlier served as India's vice-captain in the five-match Test series series against England and in the two-match Test series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. He has even led India in a Test match against England in 2022 and in three T20Is against Ireland. So, he has more captaincy experience at the international level compared to Shubman Gill who only led India in T20Is against Zimbabwe and was the vice-captain on the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.

Also, Jasprit Bumrah is a more experienced and accomplished cricketer at the international level. He is arguably the best bowler in world cricket currently and deserves a shot at captaincy if the opportunity occurs. However, the major reason why BCCI has decided to name a vice-captain for New Zealand series is doubt over Rohit Sharma's availability in the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy that will be played from 22nd of November. There are reports that he will miss atleast the opening game of the five-match series due to personal reasons and if that happens, selectors have decided to keep the next leader in line ready.

So, Shubman Gill could be India's future long term-leader. However, for the all-important Test series in Australia, selectors have decided to go with Bumrah who has the prior experience of leading India in Test cricket and has more knowledge and matches under his belt in Australian conditions.