India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has revealed that he declined the opportunity to lead India’s Test team, citing concerns over workload management. With back injuries in his recent past and a gruelling schedule ahead, Bumrah felt that accepting the leadership role would not be in the best interest of the team or his career longevity. Speaking candidly, he confirmed that there were no behind-the-scenes controversies or dramatic fallouts—only an honest self-assessment of his physical limits.
As India gears up for their challenging five-Test series against England, the leadership baton has been handed over to Shubman Gill, marking a new era for Indian cricket. Meanwhile, Bumrah remains committed to contributing fully as a player, albeit on a carefully managed schedule.
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Candid Conversations with BCCI
Jasprit Bumrah opened up about his decision in an interview with Sky Sports, during a candid conversation with Dinesh Karthik. Contrary to speculative narratives, Bumrah clarified that there was no rift or dissatisfaction regarding captaincy matters. The decision was purely rooted in practicality.
“There’s no fancy stories to it [captaincy],” Bumrah said. “There is no controversy or there’s no headlining statements that I was sacked or I was not looked after. Before Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) retired during the IPL, I had spoken to BCCI that I have discussed about my workloads going forward in a five Test-match series. I’ve spoken to the people who have managed my back. I’ve spoken to the surgeon as well, who’s always spoken to me about how smart you have to be about the workloads.”
The timing of his decision was crucial. Bumrah approached the BCCI before Rohit Sharma’s retirement announcement, emphasizing that his physical condition demanded intelligent planning. His candid admission about being realistic with his availability showcased a refreshing sense of responsibility.
Prioritizing Team Interests Over Personal Ambitions
As India transitions into a new leadership phase in Tests, Bumrah was the obvious choice for many. His pedigree, experience, and cricketing brain made him a natural candidate. But Bumrah knew that leadership would come with added responsibilities—not just strategic, but also symbolic—and those expectations would have clashed with his physical realities.
“I did speak to him and then we came to a conclusion that I have to be a little more smart. I called the BCCI and said I don’t want to be looked at in a leadership role because I won’t be able to give [it my] all Test matches coming a five Test-match series. So then, yes, the BCCI was looking at me at leadership. But then I had to say no. It’s not fair for the team as well that in a five Test-match series, someone is leading in three matches and someone else in two matches. It’s not fair on the team and I always wanted to put the team first.”
Bumrah’s priority was clear: consistency and clarity for the team. He didn’t want a scenario where leadership duties were divided due to his unavailability, risking confusion or disruption in team dynamics.
Managing Fitness Amidst Gruelling Schedules
The fast bowler’s caution is understandable given his injury history. During the final Border-Gavaskar Test in Sydney earlier this year, Bumrah suffered what initially appeared to be back spasms, later diagnosed as a stress-related injury. The setback forced him out of key assignments, including the Champions Trophy and the start of IPL 2025.
Given the severity of back injuries for fast bowlers, Bumrah has since been mindful of his physical limits. Medical professionals involved in his care have also advised prudence. Any recurrence of the injury could potentially be catastrophic for his career.
Bumrah acknowledged that possibility, noting: “[We will] plan on the go,” when asked about his availability for the entire England series. “Three Test matches is what I’m looking at. Obviously that number is not decided. First [Test] is definitely on, that is going to happen. The rest we’ll see how things are, what is the workload, what are the scenarios going on. Three Test matches is what I can manage at this moment. And I don’t want to be in a desperate scenario.”
For Bumrah, the priority remains performance over participation. He does not want to risk long-term fitness by overexerting himself, even if it means playing fewer matches.
The Captaincy Dilemma: Leading With Half Measures Not an Option
Had he accepted the captaincy, Bumrah would have found himself in the awkward position of dictating which matches to lead, an idea that made him uncomfortable.
“I cannot be dictating if I’d have been the captain that, ‘okay, I’ll only play three Test matches.’ That doesn’t send a good message in the team as well. All of these things in mind, trying to give my best as a player and trying to contribute to the best of my capacity. Hopefully in the games that I play, I’ll give it my absolute best.”
Bumrah’s clarity is commendable. Rather than compromising the role of Test captain or risking the morale of the squad, he chose to decline leadership and focus solely on excelling with the ball.
A Successful Comeback in IPL 2025
Despite concerns about his fitness, Bumrah’s return during IPL 2025 was reassuring for Indian cricket fans. Playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), Bumrah delivered a stellar season, picking up 18 wickets in 12 games at an enviable average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 6.67. His performances played a vital role in MI’s resurgence, helping them reach the knockouts after a disastrous start.
His form leading into the England Test series was further assurance that while he may be stepping back from leadership, he remains a pivotal asset to India’s bowling attack.
Optimistic About Fitness Ahead of England Series
As the England series looms large, Bumrah expressed confidence in his current fitness levels. “The body is feeling good. All good, no issues,” he assured. “I played an IPL, a hectic IPL. I always try my best to look after my body and do everything that is there in my power. The weather is good. It was hot in India. Now we are experiencing a different weather.”
Preparation has been meticulous, aimed at minimizing risks while gradually increasing his workload. The emphasis has been on ensuring that the transition from the short-format demands of the IPL to the long-format intensity of Test cricket is as smooth as possible.
“So, it is all about workload. You don’t want to have a big spike,” Bumrah explained. “So even during the IPL, we had spoken to the trainers and physios, what do we have to do, how do we slowly increase our weekly workload? We were doing that in IPL. We don’t just bowl four overs. We bowl six to eight overs. Then we have a weekly load and warm-ups. Even before the game, we try and squeeze in those overs.”
Such careful planning is crucial for Bumrah, especially given the extended nature of the upcoming series.
Navigating the Challenges of Fast Bowling in Test Cricket
One of the biggest challenges for modern fast bowlers is balancing effectiveness with endurance. Bumrah acknowledged this, recalling his taxing workload during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he bowled 152.1 overs in nine innings, claiming 32 wickets at a stunning average of 13.06.
“It all depends,” Bumrah said of whether he could shoulder a similar load in England. “Even in Australia, I was the captain in the first game and a little bit in the last game. But for me, it doesn’t go that this is the plan going forward. Obviously, in Australia, there were certain scenarios that we had to push extra because the series was on the line.”
Bumrah’s philosophy has remained consistent—he gives his all for the team, but recognizes the need to manage his body intelligently going forward.
“Having said that, whenever you play for India, you never think of, ‘I’m not going to do this. I’m not going to do that, I’m going to protect myself.’ But going further, you have to be smart. Sometimes the workload goes really high. There’s less time between Test matches. It takes a lot out of a fast bowler. So, coming to this series, I’ve prepared really well. But I have to be smart as well because I’m not becoming younger by the day.”
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FAQs
Why did Jasprit Bumrah decline the India Test captaincy?
Bumrah declined the leadership role due to workload concerns and the need to manage his fitness carefully over a demanding five-Test series.
Did Bumrah have any injury issues affecting his decision?
Yes, Bumrah had a stress-related back injury earlier in the year, which made workload management critical to avoid risking a career-threatening setback.
How many Test matches is Bumrah planning to play in the England series?
He is aiming to participate in about three Tests, starting definitely with the first match and assessing his workload for the rest.
What impact did Bumrah have during IPL 2025 after his injury?
Bumrah returned strongly, taking 18 wickets in 12 games at an average of 17.55, significantly helping Mumbai Indians reach the playoffs.
Who is the new India Test captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement?
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new India Test captain for the upcoming series against England.
