“I called BCCI and refused”: Bumrah opted out of Test captaincy, Gill named skipper

Jasprit Bumrah has revealed that he was the first choice for India’s Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, but he turned down the role to manage his workload and prolong his playing career. Speaking in an interview, Bumrah said he personally informed the BCCI of his decision, citing advice from doctors and physios who recommended caution following his recurring back injury.

Bumrah, who had led India in three Tests earlier, explained that being unable to commit to all five matches in a long Test series would have disrupted the team’s continuity. “It’s not fair to the team if two different captains lead in the same series. I’ve always put the team first,” he said. He added that contributing as a player was more valuable than taking on the leadership post.

The selectors then turned to Shubman Gill, who will now lead India in the upcoming Test series against England. Bumrah clarified that he loves the game more than the title, and while captaincy was a dream, his priority remains staying fit and performing across all formats.

Bumrah has already missed key tournaments like the Champions Trophy and IPL matches due to back issues. He stressed that his decision was based on the “bigger picture” — maintaining long-term fitness while supporting the team in any way possible.