One of the strong candidates to captain the Indian team in Test cricket after Rohit Sharma resigned in May was fast-bowling star Jasprit Bumrah. 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. Jasprit 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, Jasprit Bumrah himself resigned from the position as a result of the communication.
Before Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, I had talked to the BCCI during the IPL about my workload in a five-match Test series going forward and that I had also talked to people who looked after my back. In an interview with Sky Sports prior to the England series, Jasprit Bumrah stated, “We decided that we needed to be a bit smarter, so I called the BCCI and said I don’t want to be looked at as the leader because I won’t be able to play all the Test matches.”
BCCI was considering me for the leadership position, but I had to decline since it’s unfair to the squad when one person leads three tests and others must lead the other tests. I wanted to prioritise the team,” he continued.
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 Jasprit Bumrah , who is the frontline bowler, to be in top form and contribute with the ball.
As 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.
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