Jasprit Bumrah’s vice-captaincy removal is a troubling sign for Indian cricket

Team India has announced the Test squad for the 1st test against Bangladesh. The Men in Blue will be back after a month of long vacation. It will be Gautam Gambhir’s first test assignment with the side. Since joining he has lost one and won one. So far it has been a decent start for the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor. However, there are controversies over some decisions taken by the selectors. 

Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been removed from the vice-captaincy role of the test side. He remains a part of the squad and will play as a regular team member rather than Rohit Sharma’s deputy. Many people are left wondering what caused this choice. The BCCI’s decision to delete this role could indicate a strategic shift influenced by the team’s existing dynamics and leadership structure. 

The Board feels there are several leaders except Rohit with KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli, there is no need for a vice-captain in the side. So officially no vice-captain has been announced in the team. This suggests that the squad would prefer a more collaborative approach to leadership rather than relying on a single vice-captain. However, the fans are not happy with the decision of Bumrah being removed. 

Jasprit Bumrah’s removal is a tactical blunder

Is this done due to Gambhir’s influence? The team India head coach has already changed some captaincy roles since his inception to the side. Suryakumar Yadav was immediately made the captain of the T20I side removing Hardik Pandya. However, the ODI and Test captaincy remains the same with Rohit leading the side. Bumrah who was rumoured to be his successor in the side has now been omitted from the vice-captaincy role. 

India will be taking on Bangladesh on the 19th of September at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The Bangla Tigers are coming with a red-hot form as they clean-swept Pakistan at their home for the first time. They will look to do something similar against the Blues as they are yet to win a test match against India. The home side has not lost a series since 2012 it will be an exciting series to watch.