Agarkar urged to choose between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as Test captain: 'Protect golden goose Jasprit Bumrah'

Kaif expressed his concerns about the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee potentially burdening its golden goose, Jasprit Bumrah, with the added responsibility of captaincy. He suggested that BCCI should carefully consider the implications before appointing Bumrah as a full-time captain, as it may hinder his performance in taking wickets and maintaining his fitness. Kaif believes that the added pressure of leadership could lead Bumrah to get carried away in the heat of the moment, potentially resulting in injuries and shortening his outstanding career. In conclusion, he emphasized the importance of not jeopardizing Bumrah's potential by overwhelming him with additional responsibilities.

Bumrah led India in two Tests in Australia. In the series opener in Perth, where Rohit was unavailable due to the birth of his second child. He single-handedly bowled India back in the contest after they were all out for 150 in the first innings and then he led the team from the front to inspire them to a record 295-run win.

Bumrah was summoned again for the leadership duties when Rohit decided to sit out from the Sydney Test. This time around, Bumrah broke down in the middle of the Test. He experienced discomfort in his back that had troubled him in the past and could not bowl a single over in the second innings, which many believe became a decisive factor in the Test that Australia won by six wickets to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15.

Bumrah is injury-prone, think of Pant or Rahul as Test captain: Kaif

"If you are looking at Bumrah as Rohit's replacement as the captain then that is not the right choice. He is the lone bowler. He is under pressure to perform in every match. He had no support in Australia. Shami was not there, and Siraj was out of form, so all the pressure to win matches was on him. And Bumrah is injury-prone. He has no momentum in his run-up. He takes four steps and gathers all the pace at the last moment so the amount of pressure and load his back takes, he will always be susceptible to injuries. I don't think he should be made captain. If you go to England with Bumrah as captain. What happens if he gets injured in the third Test and gets ruled out? Who will be the captain?" Kaif said.

When asked who the ideal candidate should be to captain India in the next WTC cycle, Kaif said either KL Rahu or Rishabh Pant.

"I want a batter to be the next. Either KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant. They have done it in the past. Pant is captaining in the IPL so he is gaining experience. Rahul has captained in Test cricket," he said.

Agarkar and his selection committee will have a difficult decision to make when India get ready for their next Test assignment in England in June this year.

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