Ahead of the first Test between England and India, Jasprit Bumrah has revealed that he declined the captaincy role due to injury concerns. Bumrah said he had spoken to BCCI officials and selectors about his workload even before Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from Test cricket.
Doctors and physios advised Bumrah to manage his body smartly in order to continue playing for India over the long term. As a result, he chose to step away from any leadership responsibilities in the longest format.
“Before Rohit and Virat retired during the IPL, I had spoken to the BCCI about my workloads going forward in a five-Test match series. I’ve spoken to the people who have managed my back. I’ve spoken to the surgeon as well, who’s always spoken to me about how smart you have to be about the workloads,” Bumrah said in an interview with former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik for Sky Sports.
“I always wanted to put the team first” – Bumrah
“So I did speak to him, and then we came to the conclusion that I have to be a little smarter. So then I called the BCCI and said I don’t want to be looked at in a leadership role because I won’t be able to give all the Test matches in a five-Test match series,” he further added.
Bumrah also revealed that the BCCI was considering him for the captaincy, but he had to turn it down to ensure the team had consistent leadership throughout the series.
“Yes, the BCCI was looking at me for leadership. But then I had to say, no, that it’s not fair for the team as well, that, you know, a five-Test match series, three matches, somebody else is leading, two matches, somebody else is leading. It’s not fair to the team. And I always wanted to put the team first,” he added.
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