Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has made it clear that he turned down the chance to become India’s Test captain for the upcoming series against England. The five-match Test series is set to begin on June 20, 2025, in Leeds.
Bumrah explained that he didn’t want to take on the extra responsibility of captaincy because he wants to focus fully on his bowling, especially after his back injury. As a fast bowler, managing fitness and workload is very important, especially with the long Test series in English conditions.
"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. 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," said Bumrah to Sky Sports.
With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli no longer in the Test setup, there was talk about who should lead the team. The selectors finally chose Shubman Gill as the new Test captain and Rishabh Pant as his deputy.
While some cricket experts felt Bumrah could have been a great captain, many respected his honest decision to focus on what he does best, leading India’s pace attack. Now, as the team heads to England, Bumrah will play a key role with the ball, while Gill begins his journey as Test captain.
Sachin Tendulkar Intervenes To Preserve Pataudi Legacy In India–England Test Series: Reports
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has reportedly played a key role in ensuring that the Pataudi legacy remains part of the India–England Test series, even after the recent decision to rename the trophy as the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
The Pataudi Trophy, introduced in 2007, was named in honour of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, one of India’s most respected Test captains, and his father Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who uniquely represented both England and India in Test cricket. The trophy symbolized a rich historical link between the two cricketing nations.
Recently, the BCCI and ECB decided to rename the trophy to honour Tendulkar and James Anderson, England’s highest wicket-taker in Tests. While the new name celebrates modern greats, many fans and experts felt it overlooked the historical significance of the Pataudi name.
Understanding the importance of tradition, Tendulkar personally reached out to senior officials in both boards and also had discussions with Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI and ICC chairman.
Tendulkar’s gesture has been widely praised as an act of humility and reverence for the game's history. It also highlights the importance of respecting cricket’s rich heritage even as the sport continues to evolve with new stars and achievements.
