NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah revealed he declined the Test captaincy role before Shubman Gill’s appointment, citing workload management concerns for the upcoming five-match England series starting June 20 at Leeds. Despite being vice-captain and a frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma, who stepped down in May, Bumrah chose to prioritise his bowling responsibilities over leadership duties.The decision came after discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the Indian Premier League regarding his availability for all Test matches.“Before Rohit [Sharma] & Virat [Kohli] retired – During the IPL, I had spoken to BCCI, that I have discussed workload going forward in a five-match Test series, [and that] I have spoken to people who manage my back. We came to conclusion that we have to be little more smart, then I called the BCCI that I don’t want to be looked at the leadership role because I won’t be able to play all the Test matches,” Bumrah told Sky Sports.Bumrah further explained his decision to withdraw from consideration, emphasizing team interests.“BCCI was looking at me as the leadership role, but I have to say no to them because it’s not ideal when someone is leading for 3 Tests then some others have to lead rest of the tests so it’s not fair for the team as I wanted to put team first,” he said.
The selection committee subsequently named Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, marking his first leadership assignment in the England series.The decision aligns with the team’s strategy to keep Bumrah, their primary fast bowler, in optimal condition for crucial matches in the England series and the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.The five-match series will commence at Headingley, Leeds, marking India’s first Test in the new World Test Championship cycle.
