India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has revealed he stepped away from the possibility of becoming India’s Test captain due to workload concerns. Ahead of the England vs India Test series, Bumrah emphasized the need for smart workload management, especially during a long five-match Test tour.
Bumrah explains Test captaincy decision
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, speculation arose about who would take over the leadership. While Bumrah was among the BCCI’s considerations, he ruled himself out before the final decision. Bumrah said the demands of captaincy and playing all five Tests would not be realistic given his back injury history. He informed the BCCI well in advance that leading the team while missing matches mid-series would be unfair.
Workload management central to Bumrah’s Test role
Since undergoing back surgery, Jasprit Bumrah has remained cautious with his fitness. The fast bowler has steadily increased his bowling workload during IPL 2025 and practice sessions. Bumrah bowled 18 wickets in 12 IPL matches this year, helping Mumbai Indians qualify for the knockouts. He mentioned that the goal is to be physically ready without sudden spikes in workload.
First Test participation confirmed, future matches under watch
The first Test at Headingley on June 20 will feature Bumrah, though participation in the full five-Test series remains uncertain. He confirmed plans to play at least three matches, depending on fitness and team requirements. Bumrah stressed that if he were captain, skipping games for workload management would send the wrong message to the team.
Focused preparation for England vs India Test series
As India gears up for the England Test series, Bumrah highlighted that his focus remains on delivering strong performances whenever selected. He mentioned that his current physical condition is good and that the training team has tailored his workload buildup smartly.
Bumrah prioritizes team over leadership
Choosing not to pursue the India Test captaincy reflects Bumrah’s commitment to team success over personal milestones. With the England vs India Test series demanding sustained pace efforts, Bumrah’s decision aims to preserve longevity and contribute meaningfully when on the field.
