Jasprit Bumrah Reveals Why He Didn’t Become India Test Captain.
Photo : AP
Jasprit Bumrah has clarified why he did not become the Indian Test team captain and opted out of being considered for the same, citing workload management as the primary reason.
Speaking to Sky Sports during the England tour, Bumrah revealed that he had been in talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about taking on a leadership role in the longest format. However, after consulting with his medical and conditioning team, he opted out.
“Before Rohit & Virat retired — during the IPL — I had spoken to BCCI about the workload going forward in a five-match Test series. I have spoken to people who manage my back — we came to the conclusion that we have to be a little smarter,” Bumrah said.
He also added that although the BCCI was considering him for a leadership role, he declined it, prioritising team continuity and his workload.
“I called the BCCI to say that I don’t want to be looked at for the leadership role because I won’t be able to play all the Test matches. It’s not ideal when someone is leading for 3 Tests and someone else has to lead the rest. It’s not fair for the team — I wanted to put the team first.”
Earlier, Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the BCCI selection committee, had said that Bumrah's absence for all five Tests in England disqualified him from the Test captaincy.
Stating the need to prioritise Bumrah's fitness over the added stress of leadership responsibilities during the series, Agarkar had told the media: “He was vice captain in Australia, but once he's not going to be available for all the test matches, I think he's more important to us as a player. We want him fit. There's always that extra burden when you're leading, managing 15-16, other people, there's a lot that it takes out of you.”
"We'd rather have him bowling as well as he does than putting that extra burden on him. He's aware of it and he'd rather look after himself and be bowling fit." Agarkar added.
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