India's leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has openly revealed why he turned down the opportunity to be the next Test captain, even being the leading candidate for the position.
In a one-on-one interview with Dinesh Karthik on SKY Sports, Bumrah revealed that the selection panel chairman Ajit Agarkar had also made a pitch for him as their first choice to succeed Rohit Sharma.
For reasons related to handling his body workload and wanting to stay fit in the long run, the 30-year-old bowler decided against being considered.
"Prior to Rohit and Virat's retirement during the IPL, I had discussed with the BCCI my workloads in the future in a five-Test match series," Bumrah disclosed, alluding to the shock retirement announcements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last month.
He also explained, "I've talked to the staff who've looked after my back. I've talked to the surgeon too, who's always told me about how clever you have to be when it comes to workloads. So I did talk to him, and then we realized that I need to be a bit cleverer."
Bumrah has struggled with several back injuries in recent years, among them stress fractures that saw him miss major tournaments such as the Champions Trophy and portions of the IPL. His latest injury was during the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which added yet more red flags to his availability in the longer term.
Though he had previous experience as a leader—vice-captain of India in Tests and captain for three matches in England and Australia—Bumrah chose to withdraw from the captaincy fray in an act that he feels is in the interest of the team.
So then I phoned the BCCI and told them I don't want to be considered for a leadership position because I won't be able to provide all the Test matches in a five-Test match series," he said.
Yes, the BCCI was eyeing me for the leadership role. But then I had to tell them, no, that it's not right for the team as well, that, you know, a five-Test match series, three matches, someone else is in charge, two matches, someone else is in charge. It's not right for the team. And I always wanted to prioritize the team.
After Bumrah's announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India made Shubman Gill the new Test captain for the series against England.
Bumrah, who is considered by many to be the best pacer of the world in the present era, made it clear that his mind was still on being the team player who delivers consistently, and not burdening himself with the responsibility of captaincy which could jeopardize his health.
"Even though having me there as a player brings a lot more, just not as a captain. The captaincy is a position, but you always have leaders in the team. And I wanted to do that," he said.
He also looked back on the emotional aspect of walking away from a long-held dream.
"Yes, captaincy was a big thing for me. I had worked extremely hard for it. But at times, you need to take care of the larger picture. I love cricket more than being a captain. So I wish to contribute more as a cricketer and to the Indian team as a player. Then, you know, ambitions are there, but that's how it is."
Looking ahead, Bumrah stressed the significance of protecting his physical condition to extend his playing career and serve Indian cricket across all formats.
"If I'm not cautious, I don't know about the future and I do not desire to be in the state where, you know, suddenly I must depart from this framework. So I felt that for continuity, and it is but equitable to the team, that you know, the team follows that route where they focus on long term, and I could assist in whatever way I can."
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