Jasprit Bumrah confirmed BCCI’s interest in making him a Test captain, but he refused

There were a lot of speculations doing the rounds regarding India’s Test captaincy. Jasprit Bumrah was the clear favourite, having led the team in Australia. Even former players wanted the fast bowler to lead India. In fact, even the BCCI was considering Bumrah for the role, but he ruled himself out of the race. Shubman Gill became the new Test captain. While many thought that it was the BCCI which made the call, Bumrah has cleared the air ahead of the IND vs ENG Test series.

In a conversation with former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik, Jasprit Bumrah explained why he did not become the Test captain. With recurring back injuries, Bumrah could play the five-match Test series. He could only play three of them in England. Hence, he decided to pull out of the race so that Team India would not suffer.

There are no fancy stories to it, no controversies or no headlining statements, or I was sacked or I was not looked after. Before Rohit and Virat retired during the IPL, I had spoken to the BCCI about my workload in a five-match Test series. I called the BCCI and told them that I do not want to be looked at in a leadership role,” Jasprit Bumrah told Dinesh Karthik in a Sky Sports Cricket interview.

History of Bumrah of injuries

With two back surgery for a stress fracture, the best bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the world is in a tight place. Another surgery can potentially eliminate its cricket career forever. Prior to IPL 2025, Bumrah missed the two months of action as he was recovering from another injury. He missed the ICC Champions Trophy as India picked up the trophy without him. Thus, Bumrah concluded the surgeon and physiotherapist that he would not be able to conduct five tests in England.

,I spoke to those who managed my back (injury) including the surgeon. He always told me how smart I had to be about the workload. Therefore, we came to the conclusion that I have to be a little smart. I will not be able to play all Test matches. Then, BCCI was watching me for the role of a leadership. But I said, this is not appropriate for the team. You cannot have a captain for a five -match Test series and a different for three or two matches Test series, “ Bumrah said.

Bumrah led India in three trials including two in Australia, winning the first test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, despite being at the forefront, he reduced his captaincy aspirations for the team.

Former India cricketer Yogaj Singh blamed gyming for frequent injuries in cricketers including Bumrah. Pesar faced her first tension fracture in 2019, excluding her for about a year.

,I am surprised that cricketers go to the gym, Today, the youth are going to the gym. This is why we have injuries. I can say that about 30-40 years ago, injuries were zero. Because in cricket, you need a very flexible, gymnast -like body. Do things with bodyweight like pull-up, push-ups, sit-ups and core (work). But please, for the sake of God, stop sending cricketers to the gym“Yogaj Singh Insidesport In a special chat.