Jasprit Bumrah Discloses Why He Rejected Indian Test Captaincy Following Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Retirement

Jasprit Bumrah confirmed he turned down India's Test captaincy, a role he was considered for following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement.

Jasprit Bumrah Discloses Why He Rejected Indian Test Captaincy Following Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Retirement

Jasprit Bumrah opened up about why he rejected Test captaincy, following Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement. (via India a Tod

Indian pacer and the world’s No. 1 ranked Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah has revealed why he rejected Indian Test captaincy. Bumrah was among the frontrunners, alongside Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s red-ball skipper. 

Rohit Sharma on May 7, 2025, announced his decision to call time on his red-ball career, relinquishing the Test captaincy role. He was followed by teammate and one of India’s best red-ball captains, Virat Kohli, who also announced his retirement from the longest format. Sharma and Kohli’s retirement came just a few days before India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, was announced. 

Following days of comprehensive discussions, Shubman Gill was finally named as India’s new red-ball captain, with wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant as his deputy. The duo has been trusted with the responsibility to lead a young and inexperienced Indian Test side to England. Among the few experienced players in the squad, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul are the only ones to have led the national team in the past.

Bumrah was in fact, a leading contender to succeed Rohit Sharma, having led India in three Tests prior to that. Most recently, he led India to victory in the Perth Test during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, filling in for Rohit Sharma who was on paternity leave. Jasprit Bumrah also captained the team in the final Test match in Sydney, but had to leave the match midway due to an injury, which kept him out of action for the next four months. 

Bumrah’s recurrent injury issues, many believe, is the reason why he was not made India’s Test captain. The 31-year-old in an interview with ex-Indian player Dinesh Karthik, clarified that the BCCI did approach him for the role, following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement. Bumrah added that he informed the board that he did not want a leadership role, primarily due to concerns about his workload management. The star pacer told Karthik:

I had spoken to BCCI, that I have discussed workload going forward in a five-match Test series. I have spoken to people who manage my back, we came to the conclusion that I have to be a little more smart.

The fast bowler stated that he discussed his injuries with the medical team, who advised him to remain cautious with his playing schedule for India. Bumrah noted that he might not be able to contribute fully in all the five Test matches in the England series, another reason for him to reject the Test captaincy. He confirmed that he might even opt out of one or two Tests to keep himself fit for the season ahead.

Regarding Shubman Gill, Bumrah mentioned he would not be able to constantly offer his advice to the young Indian skipper, but will be available to help whenever needed. Moreover, Bumrah is coming off an IPL season where he took 18 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 6.67. His performance will be vital for India, given his role as a key match-winner.

Jasprit Bumrah Opens Up About Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Ahead of England Series

One of Gautam Gambhir’s go-to-man since he took over as Team India head coach is experienced pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The 31-year-old most recently opened up about what he feels regarding Gambhir and his style of coaching, as well as the relationship that he shares with him. 

Jasprit Bumrah on Gautam Gambhir coach
Jasprit Bumrah praised Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s unique style. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

While agreeing that the Indian Test team is going through a transitional phase, Bumrah suggested coach Gautam Gambhir and his staff to remain calm and patient to navigate through the tough England series. Bumrah added that Gambhir has a unique individualistic nature, and revealed that the former World Cup winner goes up to a player and speaks to him individually, instead of doing so in a group. 

He [Gautam Gambhir] is a person who is very individualistic. He will have one-on-one chats with the person where he feels that he is supposed to interfere.

It therefore, will be interesting to see how well Gambhir & co. fare, when India takes on England in the five-match Test series. The first match is scheduled for Headingley in Leeds, with subsequent games in London, Southampton, and Manchester.