India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has said that he had ruled out Test captaincy during the IPL itself as part of his workload management and had told the BCCI that he wanted to prioritise his bowling responsibilities over leadership duties.

Interacting with former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik on a sports channel, Bumrah spoke about the thought process that made him turn down Indian Test captaincy. “There are no fancy stories to it. Before Rohit and Virat retired, I had spoken to the BCCI during the IPL about my workload, going forward in a five-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. And then we came to the conclusion that I have to be a little smarter,” Bumrah said.

Subsequently, Bumrah told the BCCI that he did not want to be considered in a leadership role. After Rohit’s retirement with Bumrah ruling himself out, the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as the skipper of the Test team.

Stressing on the need for continuity in leadership, particularly in a long series, Bumrah said this was something he would not be able to offer because of his heavy workload as the team’s premier bowler. “The BCCI was viewing me in a leadership role. But then I had to say no as it’s not fair for the team as well when three matches somebody else is leading and two matches somebody else. I always wanted to put the team first,” he said.

“Leading the Indian Test team is a huge honour, but I love the game more than captaincy. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture. So I want to contribute more as a cricketer to the Indian team,” he said.

Pacer plans to play three Tests in England

Bumrah is planning to play in at least three Test matches, including the opener at Headingley. “Obviously, the number is not decided. The first Test is definitely on, that is going to happen. Rest, we will see how things are, what is the workload and scenario… but yes, three Tests is what I can manage at the moment,” he said. India head coach Gautam Gambhir had also said Bumrah could play three Tests in the coming weeks.