The peerless Jasprit Bumrah has revealed that he had ruled out Test captaincy during the IPL itself as a part of his workload administration, and had informed the BCCI of his need to prioritise his bowling responsbilities over management duties.
During an interplay with former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik on Sky Sports Cricket, Bumrah defined the thought course of behind his choice to show down the Indian Test captaincy.
“There’s no fancy stories to it. There is no controversy or a headlining statement that I was sacked. Before Rohit and Virat retired, I had spoken to the BCCI during the IPL about my workload going forward in a five-match series,” Bumrah mentioned.
“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.
“And then we got here to the conclusion that I’ve to be slightly smarter. So then I referred to as the BCCI and mentioned I do not need to be checked out in a management function, as a result of I will not have the ability to give all matches coming to a five-match Test sequence,” added Bumrah.
After Rohit’s retirement and with Bumrah ruling himself out, the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as the skipper of the Test team with his first assignment being the five-match Test series against England, beginning in Leeds on Friday.
During the interaction, Bumrah stressed on the need for continuity in leadership, particularly in a long series, something he would not be able to offer because of his heavy workload as the team’s premier bowler.
“The BCCI was me at (a) management (function). But then I had to say no as it is not honest for the crew as effectively. It’s not honest to the crew if in a five-Test sequence, three matches anyone else is main and two matches anyone else is main.
“I always wanted to put the team first, even if me being there as a player offers a lot more just not as a captain,” Bumrah mentioned.
“Captaincy is a position. But you always have leaders in the team and I wanted to do. Obviously, if I’m not careful, I don’t know about the future, and I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to abruptly go away from this format.
“So, I believed that for continuity, and it’s only honest to the crew that the crew goes in that course, the place they take a look at long-term and I might assist in no matter approach,” he added.
Bumrah acknowledged that leading the Indian Test team is a huge honour but added that he loves the game more than captaincy.
“Captaincy meant lots. I had labored very laborious for it. But, sadly, generally you need to take care of the larger image. I like cricket greater than captaincy so I need to contribute extra as a cricketer and to the Indian crew as a participant.
“Obviously ambitions are there but that’s how it is and I called the BCCI and said that I don’t want to be looked at in a leadership role,” mentioned the magnificent quick bowler.
Plan to play three Tests in England
As far as his participation within the England sequence in involved, Bumrah is planning to play in at the least three Test matches, together with the opener at Headingley.
“Obviously, the number is not decided. First (Test) is definitely on, that is going to happen. Rest, we will see how things are, what is the workload and scenario… but yes, 3 Tests is what I can manage at the moment.” India head coach Gautam Gambhir had additionally mentioned Bumrah might play three Tests within the coming weeks.
Published – June 17, 2025 06:52 pm IST
