After the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, the Indian Test team is going to enter a new era. This change is starting with the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The absence of these two veterans who have led India's Test team for a long time has now set the stage for the new generation.
At first there was speculation about Jasprit Bumrah being considered the next Test captain. However, the BCCI has put an end to all speculations and appointed Shubman Gill as the official captain of the Test team. Under the leadership of Gill, India will start this new journey from June 20, 2025 with a five-Test series against England.
Jasprit Bumrah reveals why he did not accept the captaincy post for the Indian Test team
Jasprit Bumrah himself had decided not to accept the leadership role. He said that this did not happen due to any controversy or neglect. The pacer had made it clear by talking to the BCCI during the IPL itself that he did not want to captain the five-Test series. Bumrah said that he himself had called the BCCI and asked not to make him the captain.
He had also consulted those who had treated his back injury. Everyone, including the surgeon, had advised the fast bowler that he would now have to manage his workload very wisely, understanding the demands of his body. Bumrah admitted that he can no longer play every Test match. That is why he told the BCCI that it would not be fair for the team to have one captain for only a few Test matches and someone else for the rest. The 31-year-old put it simply, clearly and honestly.
"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.
“I had spoken to people who had managed my back (injury), including the surgeon as well. He had always told me how smart I had to be about the workload. So, we came to the conclusion that I have to be a little smarter. I won’t be able to play all the Test matches. Then, BCCI was looking at me for a leadership role. But I said, it’s not fair for the team. You can’t have a captain for a five-match Test series and a different one for a three or two-match Test series,” Bumrah said.
Opinion:
Handing over the captaincy to Gill seems to be the right decision for the team at this time. Gill has so far emerged as a calm, stable and the face of the new generation in Indian cricket. His batting shows maturity, and his leadership on the field, as seen for the Gujarat Titans, in the IPL also reflects discipline.
On the other hand, Bumrah's decision reflects the thinking of a responsible senior player. He prioritized the continuity and stability of the team over personal aspirations. This decision is also logistically correct—a captain should be prepared for the entire Test cycle, not on a series-to-series basis. This gives the team a clear direction.
At a time when the Indian Test team is rebuilding itself, this stability in leadership is essential. Bumrah stepped back to pave the way for Gill and showed that captaincy is not just a position but a responsibility. The team structure is now being revamped, and the beginning will be in England—where it will be decided how solid a foundation India can build on to make this change. Moreover, as a captain, Gill might be taking the responsibilities of batting in Test cricket in a better way, now that Virat Kohli has moved on.
