The BCCI has announced the Indian Test team for the tour of England and this time the team’s command has been handed over to young batsman Shubman Gill. For a long time, Jasprit Bumrah was also considered in the race for the captaincy of the Test team, but the selectors have expressed confidence in Gill and appointed him as captain. The reason behind this decision has also been revealed. After the announcement of the team, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Shubman Gill was chosen as Test captain in place of Bumrah. Agarkar said that there is no guarantee that Bumrah will play the entire series. Agarkar said that he does not think that all will be available for all five Test matches against Bumrah England. Whether he plays three matches or four, we have to evaluate them together with the physio team.

Why did Bumrah left behind in the captaincy race?
It is clear from Ajit Agarkar’s statement that the selection committee has taken this decision keeping in mind the fitness and workload of Bumrah. Playing five consecutive Tests in England as a fast bowler is a challenge for any player and more than that it can be even more risky to take responsibility for captaincy. The history of Bumrah’s injury also became an important reason for this decision. Bumrah had won the Indian team in the first Test match on a tour of Australia, but was injured while bowling continuously in the last Test match. After this, he had to wait long to return to the field.

Why did you express your faith in Gill?
Shubman Gill is not only fit and all the tests are available, but he has recently shown tremendous understanding and patience in his captaincy. Especially in IPL 2025, Gill, captaining Gujarat Titans, proved himself strategically. This is the reason why the selection committee has given the command of the Test team to them keeping the future in mind.

Foundation management is also a reason.
There is an additional pressure on fast bowlers in challenging situations like England. In such a situation, it will be very important to manage Bumrah. This is the reason that Gill was given the responsibility of captaincy so that Bumrah could only pay attention to his bowling without any pressure. Now everyone’s eyes will be on how Shubman Gill lead Team India under the difficult situations of England in his new role.