Bumrah Reveals Why He Turned Down India’s Test Captaincy

Jasprit Bumrah has finally addressed the big question that had been circling Indian cricket ever since Shubman Gill was named the new Test captain — why wasn’t Bumrah handed the job?

In a candid chat with Dinesh Karthik for SKY Sports, Bumrah shared that he was the first choice of the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel to take over the red-ball reins after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli called time on their Test careers. But the pacer turned it down — and for good reason. “I had spoken to the BCCI even before Rohit and Virat announced their retirements,” Bumrah revealed. “I told them I need to manage my workload, especially in a five-match Test series. I had also spoken to my surgeon and the team that’s been managing my back. We agreed I had to be smart about it.” 

He didn’t shy away from explaining the logic behind his decision either. “I told the BCCI not to consider me for the captaincy. It wouldn’t be fair to the team if I led in three Tests and someone else had to step in for the remaining two. I’ve always put the team first.”  

That honesty reflects the kind of leader Bumrah could’ve been — self-aware and responsible — but also someone who understands his own physical limitations. The back injury he picked up during the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year was more serious than initially believed. While it was first reported as back spasms, it turned out to be a stress-related injury — the same area where he previously had surgery. That forced him out of the Champions Trophy and delayed his start to the IPL 2025 season. 

Since then, Bumrah has taken a cautious approach to rebuilding his fitness. He returned in style for Mumbai Indians, claiming 18 wickets in 12 matches at a brilliant average of 17.55 and an economy under 7. His performances were central to MI’s comeback after a poor start to the season. But even as he gears up for the Test series against England, he’s not planning to go full throttle. “Three Test matches is what I’m looking at. The first one is definitely happening,” he said. “After that, we’ll take it match by match depending on workload and conditions. I don’t want to end up in a desperate situation.” 

There’s clear caution in his words — and for good reason. Those close to the team believe that another injury in the same spot could be devastating, maybe even career-ending. Bumrah’s decision to turn down the captaincy, then, is more than just self-preservation. It’s about staying available to serve India in the long run — not just in this one series. 

So, while fans may have expected to see Bumrah leading India’s red-ball revival post-Rohit-Kohli, the man himself had already decided that it wasn’t the right time. And instead of chasing titles or prestige, he chose honesty, fitness, and longevity — a decision that might just prove crucial for India’s future. 

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