Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali recently stirred controversy by claiming that there’s a lot of politics in Indian cricket, with the Mumbai lobby using its influence to promote players from the city. He specifically pointed out that India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, and T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, are both from Mumbai.

Basit also noted that pacer Jasprit Bumrah, although based in Ahmedabad, could be the front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma as the captain of India’s Test team in the future, as he plays a crucial role for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL. Instead of focusing on players from Mumbai, Basit suggested that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant should be given the leadership role, emphasizing his potential.In his latest YouTube video, Basit shared these views (from 12:44).

“People from Mumbai are quite strong. Look at Rohit Sharma, leading both Tests and ODIs, and Suryakumar Yadav captaining the T20Is. Suryakumar and Shivam Dube are even set to play the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals. And when Rohit was not going to England for the Test series, who was being talked about? Jasprit Bumrah’s name was mentioned. Personally, I think Rishabh Pant should be in the squad.”

“Gautam Gambhir was singing his praises during the Australia tour, and now he’s not even in the squad. I’m really surprised. He definitely deserved a spot.”

Basit suggested that Siraj should be included in India’s squad for the final two ODIs of the three-match series against England, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness.

“If India is thinking of picking Siraj for the Champions Trophy, they should let him and Harshit Rana play together against England. That would give them a clearer idea of who to select. He’ll have the chance to play two matches if he’s added to the squad now.”

It’s also important to note that Indian selectors can still make changes to their provisional squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy until February 12.