Test career is already over for Rohit Sharma? Reports make a shocking claim

India is currently solely focused on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy as ODIs take center stage. However, Indian fans still remember the grueling run the team endured in the recently concluded Test season, which ended with the Border Gavaskar Trophy down under. Poised as one of the favorites to qualify for the WTC Final at the start of the season, India lost the spot to South Africa and Australia. The disappointing run included India suffering their first-ever series whitewash at home as the Kiwis beat them 3-0. To make matters worse, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, lost their grip on the BGT after a decade as Australia defeated them 3-1 in the five-match series. Their performance faced significant scrutiny, with captain Rohit Sharma bearing the brunt of the criticism. During a phase where India showcased its worst in the format, Rohit and Virat Kohli particularly struggled with the bat.

India is over Rohit Sharma in Tests, Jasprit Bumrah to lead in England

The crushing BGT defeat was followed by reports of unceremonious chatter from the Indian camp. The infamous "dressing room leaks" alleged that Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir were at loggerheads over team decisions and player selections. While the focus has now shifted to ODIs, a fresh report claims that the Indian management is already moving on from Rohit Sharma. Reportedly, the skipper will not be considered for the upcoming England tour or future assignments. Furthermore, the claims suggest that Jasprit Bumrah, who is hopeful of a return during IPL 2025, will lead the team in England as the full-time captain.

Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India's standout performer in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Despite the batting order’s failures, Bumrah's excellence with the ball remained undeniable. Picking up 32 wickets across five matches, he finished as the highest wicket-taker and was named Player of the Series. As for his captaincy credentials, India's only victory in Australia came under Bumrah’s leadership in the Perth Test, the opening BGT fixture, as Rohit Sharma missed the match due to paternity leave. Apart from the Perth Test, Bumrah has led India twice before, once in England and again in the Sydney Test, the last match of the BGT, when Rohit dropped himself due to his persistent poor form.

Currently, Bumrah has been ruled out of India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury. After picking up a back spasm during the Sydney Test from an overburdened workload, he failed to recover in time for the marquee event. However, the latest report claims that the seamer is expected to regain full fitness ahead of IPL 2025 and will be in contention to take over the leadership role when India tours England later this year for a five-match Test series.

"He (Jasprit Bumrah) can come back for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and then lead India in England as Rohit Sharma is unlikely to be picked for Tests again,” a source was quoted as saying.