Former India Veteran Backs Virat Kohli as Stop-Gap Test Captain for England Series Amid Retirement Buzz

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has suggested that Virat Kohli should be named stop-gap Test captain for the upcoming England series, in case pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is deemed unfit to lead.

Sidhu maintained that Bumrah remains his first-choice captain due to his bowling acumen and leadership potential, particularly in English conditions. However, given the pacer’s injury history, Sidhu advised that Kohli’s experience and leadership pedigree make him the best interim option.

“If you don’t want Bumrah as you are concerned about his back, then make Virat Kohli the stop-gap captain, which is the best possible thing. Virat Kohli, give him responsibility.” said Sidhu.

“That’s why I think it’s important that Virat Kohli at the moment, I’m not saying indispensable, because it’s important what the selectors might think, there is a connection between them,” he added.

Sidhu cautioned against handing Test captaincy to Shubman Gill immediately, citing the young batter’s underwhelming Test record abroad. Gill averages just 25 outside the subcontinent, with no overseas centuries and only two half-centuries to his name.

“After Rohit’s departure, there is a lack of experience. And I give you proof of this. If you make Gill the captain, I will always advocate for Gill. I think he is the future,” Sidhu told Sports Tak.

“But Gill’s record outside the subcontinent is not that great, he averages just 25. He has two half-centuries. He doesn’t have a single century,” he added.

The BCCI has reportedly been in contact with Kohli, who earlier informed the board of his intention to retire from Test cricket. However, Sidhu believes that the team’s transitional phase needs an experienced hand like Kohli to steer the ship—especially after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

Sidhu also highlighted Kohli’s legacy as captain, crediting him for ushering in India’s pace-dominant era and instilling a relentless mindset in the team.

“Rohit and Virat made the Indian team. The era of fast bowlers came when Virat Kohli was the captain. He played an important role in team building. Many people forget,” he emphasized.

Regarding Bumrah, Sidhu said that English conditions would suit him due to the cooler climate and less physical strain, allowing him to bowl in short bursts and lead a four-pacer attack effectively. However, workload management remains a concern, which opens the door for a short-term Kohli return as leader.

“My first option for captaincy is Jasprit Bumrah. Why? Because if you play with 4 fast bowlers, it is cold there. It is not hot like Australia where you sweat a lot. You don’t get cramps. It is cold there. Your energy is preserved. Then you get Bumrah to bowl 3-4 overs in a spell. You have other three pacers. There is relentless pressure. Bumrah is their leader. He will lead by example. Because he is conducive for fast bowling,” said Sidhu.

With the England Test series starting June 20, the selectors are expected to name India’s new red-ball captain soon. Whether Kohli delays his retirement or Gill is fast-tracked, Sidhu’s comments reflect the growing debate around leadership in a changing Indian Test setup.