Jasprit Bumrah captained India in two Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces the crucial task of selecting a new captain for the red-ball format. The BCCI is expected to discuss and announce the new Test captain in a meeting next week. According to recent reports, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has decided to opt out of the Test captaincy.
Jasprit Bumrah is a key bowler for the national team and regularly features in all three formats. He has previously led the Indian team in a few Tests in Sharma’s absence. For example, Bumrah captained the side in the first and fifth Tests against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 when Sharma was unavailable or rested.
Jasprit Bumrah has decided to step down from the Test captaincy, as he is uncertain about his availability for all five matches in India’s upcoming tour of England. The five-match Test series against England is set to begin on June 20, and Bumrah’s decision stems from his concerns over playing every match in the demanding conditions of English cricket.
With Bumrah stepping down, the Indian team now faces the crucial task of appointing a new leader who can guide the team through this challenging series. England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, have proven to be a formidable side, especially in home conditions, making the role of captain even more important. India will need a strong and reliable leader to navigate the pressures of the tour and ensure the team is ready for the tough battles ahead.
In light of Bumrah’s departure from the leadership role, two candidates have emerged as strong contenders for the Test captaincy: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Both players have significant experience in the longest format, with Gill having established himself as a regular in the top order, while Pant is the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper. The final decision will be crucial for India as they prepare to face one of the most challenging teams in world cricket on their home turf. With the series less than a month away, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will need to make a timely choice for the new captain.
Jasprit Bumrah: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant Leading Contenders for India’s Next Test Captain
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are reportedly the front-runners to become India’s next Test captain. Gill has been a regular member of the Test side for several years, playing as an opener and top-order batter. Meanwhile, Pant has established himself as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the longest format of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to finalize the squad for the upcoming England series by May 24, leaving just under two weeks for the board to name the new Test captain.
The BCCI faces a shortage of experienced players for the Test captaincy, with veteran batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara losing their spots in the squad. Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024, and Virat Kohli is currently in discussions with the BCCI about his potential Test retirement.
Jasprit Bumrah: Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the Indian team in ODIs after retiring from Test cricket on May 7. Suryakumar Yadav, who took over the T20I captaincy last year, has also performed admirably in his role