Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has backed gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to take over the captaincy onus ahead of Shubman Gill. It has been reported that Bumrah has opted out of the leadership role and Gill and Rishabh Pant are the front runners to take over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

Meanwhile, Bumrah led India in two Test matches on the Australian tour. Bumrah was absolutely sensational as he bagged 32 wickets in five matches at a stunning average of 13.06.

On the other hand, Srikkanth highlighted that Gill is not a certainty in the Test team. The right-hander could only manage 93 runs in five innings at an average of 18.60 against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series.

While Gill has a decent Test record while playing in the home conditions, he is yet to prove his mettle while playing outside Asia. The right-hander is yet to score a Test century outside the sub-continent. Furthermore, Gill doesn’t have a promising record in English conditions as he has scored 88 runs in three Test matches at an average of 14.67.

“He (Gill) is not even a certainty in Test cricket. The captaincy should be given to Jasprit Bumrah, and if he is not fit or available for any match, then KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant should lead India,” Srikkanth told the Times of India.

Meanwhile, after Virat Kohli’s retirement, Srikkanth wants KL Rahul to take the number four slot in the batting order in the red-ball version.

“Coming to the question about India’s next No. 4 in Test cricket, for me, KL Rahul should be given that position. He can be India’s lynchpin going forward in Test cricket. He has got the right technique, and the management should give him that fixed role,” Srikkanth suggested.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley from June 20 onwards.