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Xtra Time Web Desk: Jasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain but when it comes to limit overs cricket, the air is still not clear.

Till now Jasprit Bumrah has not been considered for long term option considering his fitness and workload. Although Bumrah's participation in Champions Trophy is a bit doubtful due to injury still Indian selectors are hopeful that he still might have some role in the Champions Trophy. 

If Bumrah is fit and ready to lead the Test side in England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his four colleagues need to have a strong name as vice-captain keeping all the scenario in mind. For now, in Tests, only two names come in mind-- Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal with the Board looking for the most suitable for that role.

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During the BCCI's review meeting on Saturday with Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit, Bumrah's issues keep the camp worried. Post the review meeting, the only hint we get is unlikely Rohit will travel to England for the five Tests, and the 31-year-old Bumrah will certainly lead the team in the first Test at Headingley if all goes well.

The injury has also highlighted a valid question on whether Bumrah can remain fit for long period of not. Understanding there is no guarantee that Bumrah won't have more breakdowns during the next WTC cycle from June 2025 to June 2027, now that he is on the wrong side of 30s, Selectors want to have Plan B ready.

"For me, it is a very simple thing. You look at the data and find who is a sure-shot pick in Test cricket. Bumrah has played 45 Tests and Pant has 43 Tests. He (Pant) is 27 now and by the time he was only 23, he had singlehandedly won India one of its greatest Tests at the Gabba. He is a match-winner, a good sounding board for bowlers and should be the vice-captain," former national selector Devang Gandhi said.

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"It is not just the marquee series (England, Australia) that we are talking about. In between Test matches, there will be ICC events where Bumrah's presence is a must. Like this year, it is Champions Trophy and next year it will be the T20 World Cup. He is managing it well by not playing bilaterals but nearer to events, he would need to. Then the bowling workload becomes paramount. Don't forget two months of IPL," Dasgupta explained agreeing to that fact that Bumrah can't be a long term option.

"So even as Bumrah starts as the next Test captain, there is a need for a strong vice-captain, and yes Pant fits the bill," he said.