As India gears up for the high-voltage IND vs ENG 2025 Test series, one name that continues to dominate headlines is star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
The experienced Indian fast bowler recently opened up about his decision to decline the Test captaincy offer extended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports, Bumrah explained that managing his workload and staying injury-free for the long term is his current priority.
Bumrah Turns Down Test Captaincy Ahead of IND vs ENG 2025
During the IPL earlier this year, BCCI reportedly approached Bumrah with a proposal to lead India’s Test team following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Bumrah turned down the opportunity, citing his ongoing battle with fitness and a need to prioritize longevity over leadership.
Before Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, I spoke to BCCI during the IPL season. We discussed my workload and the upcoming five-match Test series against England. After consulting with my medical team who are monitoring my back issues, we concluded that I need to be more cautious. So, I informed BCCI that I should not be considered for the captaincy role because I won’t be able to play all the Test matches, Bumrah shared.
This revelation comes at a crucial time, as the IND vs ENG 2025 series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle. With several key players retiring or unavailable due to injuries, both India and England are entering this series with relatively fresh squads.
Injury Woes Continue for Bumrah
Over the past few years, Bumrah has struggled with multiple injuries, particularly related to his back. These issues have forced him to miss significant tournaments, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and the Champions Trophy, which India won under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Bumrah was notably absent from the final Test in the Australia series due to a back injury, raising further concerns about his fitness in long-format games.
Given this history, Bumrah’s decision to opt out of the captaincy role appears both practical and self-aware. While his leadership qualities are unquestionable, the fast bowler emphasized that he wanted to put the team’s needs above his personal ambitions.
Bumrah It’s About the Team, Not Me
The BCCI saw me as a potential captain, but I had to say no. It wouldn’t be ideal for someone to lead in only three Tests and then be replaced for the remaining matches. That’s not fair to the team. I wanted to prioritize team continuity and ensure that the players had a consistent leader, Bumrah stated.
This decision paved the way for the selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, to appoint young batting sensation Shubman Gill as the new Test captain for the IND vs ENG 2025 series. While there was considerable speculation about who would take up the leadership role post-Rohit era, Gill ultimately emerged as the top contender, edging out Bumrah.
Shubman Gill Takes the Helm for IND vs ENG 2025
With Gill at the helm, Team India is expected to begin a new chapter in IND vs ENG Test cricket. The youngster has shown remarkable maturity with the bat and is seen as a long-term leader. His appointment was met with optimism, given his consistency and aggressive playing style that aligns well with the modern Test approach.
The selection of Gill over Bumrah also underscores the BCCI’s cautious approach toward managing player workload, particularly when it comes to key fast bowlers. In the high-stakes environment of Test cricket, having a fully fit bowling attack is essential, and Bumrah’s presence even without the leadership burden could be instrumental in the IND vs ENG 2025 series.
What This Means for India’s Campaign
As India prepares for the five match series starting June 20 in Leeds, Bumrah’s fitness and form will still be crucial. Though he won’t be leading the side, his experience, skill, and ability to exploit English conditions could tilt the balance in India’s favor.
Meanwhile, Gill will have to rise to the occasion and prove his mettle as captain. The pressure of leading a relatively young side in foreign conditions against a formidable England team will be immense. However, with Bumrah backing the team both on and off the field, India’s chances in the IND vs ENG 2025 series look promising.