'I won't be able to play' - Jasprit Bumrah reveals why he declined Team India captaincy agead of ENG vs IND series
Jasprit Bumrah was one of the top names considered for India’s Test captain, but he chose to step back because of workload issues. Even though he was the vice-captain, Bumrah told the BCCI that he wouldn’t be able to play all five matches in the series and felt the team needed someone who could be there throughout. So, Shubman Gill was named the new captain for the England series starting June 20 in Leeds.
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Jasprit Bumrah has shared that he turned down the chance to become India’s Test captain because of fitness and workload concerns. Even though he was vice-captain and one of the top choices to take over after Rohit Sharma stepped down in May, Bumrah said it wouldn’t be right to lead the team if he couldn’t play all five matches in the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on June 20 in Leeds.
“I Can’t Play All Tests”: Jasprit Bumrah Shares Why He Said No to Captaincy
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bumrah said, “During the IPL, I had a chat with the BCCI. I spoke to my doctors and physios about the five-match Test series. We all agreed it’s better to be careful. So, I told BCCI not to consider me for the captain’s role because I may not be able to play every Test.”
JASPRIT BUMRAH ON WHY HE DIDN'T BECOME THE TEST CAPTAIN; [Sky Sports]
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2025
"Before Rohit & Virat retired - During the IPL, I had spoken to BCCI, that I have discussed about workload going forward in a five-match Test series, I have spoken to people who manage my back - we came to… pic.twitter.com/RfaPyDNKHO
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Bumrah added that he didn’t want to start the series as captain and then miss games in between, as it wouldn’t be fair to the team. “I wanted to do what’s best for the team,” he said. After his decision, the BCCI named Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain. This will be Gill’s first time leading the team in a Test series.
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