Former India spinner R. Ashwin has joined the ongoing debate about India’s next Test captain, throwing his support behind his spin teammate Ravindra Jadeja for the leadership role over the next two years.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring ahead of India’s upcoming Test series in England, the team faces a leadership vacuum. While Shubman Gill is widely seen as the frontrunner, and Jasprit Bumrah has strong backing from some quarters, Ashwin introduced a fresh perspective by advocating for Jadeja’s candidacy.
Speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin acknowledged Gill’s impressive batting performances earlier this year but highlighted Jadeja’s unmatched experience as the senior player in the squad. With over 3,300 runs and more than 300 wickets in 80 Test matches, Jadeja’s all-round skills and leadership potential make him a serious contender.
“Jadeja is the most experienced player in the team. He deserves to be in the conversation. If you’re ready to groom a new captain for two years, Jadeja can also lead for two years. They could even appoint a vice-captain under him,” Ashwin remarked, calling his suggestion a ‘wildcard’ entry.
Ashwin also noted that a strong IPL season with Gujarat Titans could boost Gill’s chances but stressed that Test captaincy requires a broader understanding of domestic cricket to build a winning team.
“I hope Gujarat Titans make it to the playoffs. Success there could ease Gill’s leadership transition. But Test captaincy isn’t about one season; a leader must be deeply connected with first-class cricket,” he added.
As the BCCI prepares to announce the Test squad for England later this month, the captaincy question remains a key talking point, with Ashwin’s endorsement of Jadeja adding an intriguing option to the mix.
