Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth has advocated for Jasprit Bumrah’s appointment as the new captain of the Indian Test team after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the traditional format of the game last week.

Rohit’s decision to step aside from Tests has forced the BCCI to name a new skipper for the upcoming tour of England.

Bumrah was Rohit’s deputy in the last Test series against Australia, and he also captained the side in two matches, but multiple reports claim that Shubman Gill is the front-runner to become India’s new Test captain.

However, Srikkanth has opposed the speculated captaincy move, saying that Gill’s place is not even certain in the Indian Test team.

“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 TOI in an exclusive chat.

The 1983 World Cup winner was also asked to pick his new No. 4 batter for India in Tests after Virat Kohli’s retirement, and in reply, he mentioned KL Rahul’s name.

“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," said Srikkanth.

The former BCCI chief selector also paid rich tribute to Kohli and acknowledged that his absence will leave a big void.

“It’s a big question, a massive void. Virat was the torchbearer of Test cricket. He played the game with passion and aggression, and that was the greatness of Virat. Frankly, the selectors should have given him the captaincy, and he should have played for the next two to three years. But now we can only wish him well,” Srikkanth remarked.