Jasprit Bumrah, the fast-bowling spearhead, was one of the hot contenders to captain India in Test cricket when Rohit Sharma stood down in May. Since he was already the vice-captain and had commanded a few games on the Australian tour, his appointment as captain actually appeared obvious. But in a surprising move, the national selectors chose Shubman Gill to be the team’s future captain.
The England series will be Gill’s maiden assignment as Test captain. India will host the tour for five games, beginning in Leeds on June 20. Bumrah has now revealed why he was not named the team’s captain in the red-ball format by the BCCI and the selection committee ahead of the series. Due to workload issues, Bumrah himself resigned from the position as a result of the communication.
“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 in an interview ahead of the England series.
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 added.
Although Gill’s appointment may have been unexpected, it was only fitting given that fast bowler Bumrah might not have been able to handle the demands of the lengthy away tours. In order to win important games for the team in the England series and in the future, namely in terms of the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, the Indian squad wants Bumrah, who is the frontline bowler, to be in top form and contribute with the ball.
As Jasprit Bumrah and India prepare for their first Test of the new WTC cycle, the England series will start on June 20 with the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds.
