Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has backed the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) for not appointing Jasprit Bumrah as Test captain due to his injury prone body. Bumrah, who has battled multiple fitness issues since 2022, was out of action for nearly 11 months before returning in August 2023.

Following his return, Bumrah showed impressive form, playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024. However, he suffered another injury in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Ponting mentioned that captaincy would have impacted Bumrah’s performance. He emphasised that the team should back Shubman Gill.

“I genuinely believe it’s the right call. I know there are plenty of people, including pundits, who are confused as to why it wasn’t Bumrah and why they’ve opted for Shubman, but I think the reasoning is clear,” Ponting said on ICC Review.

“Bumrah’s injuries have been a bit of a hindrance over the past few years, and that’s not something you want in your captain. You can’t have a captain who’s constantly missing games. So, I think it’s the right choice.,” he added.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir disclosed that Bumrah will only play in three Tests during the upcoming England series.

Bumrah’s outstanding performances in 2024 earned him the ICC Test Cricketer and Cricketer of the Year awards, having claimed 71 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 14.92, including five five-wicket hauls.