India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah might not continue as vice-captain during the upcoming Test tour of England in June. The five-match series will start India’s campaign in the 2025-27 World Test Championship.
Bumrah likely to be rested for some matches
Bumrah served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the recent Test series against Australia. He even captained India in two matches — securing a win in Perth and leading the team in Sydney after Rohit opted out of the final game.
A BCCI official told the paper, “We want a player who will be available for all five Test matches and he should be given the vice-captain’s role. Bumrah won’t be playing all five matches, so we don’t want to appoint different deputies for different games. It will be better that the captain and vice-captain should be certain and play all five Tests.”
Selection committee looks for young replacement
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is now searching for a long-term option. They want someone who not only plays all the Tests in England but can also be groomed as a future captain.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the leading names. Gill, 25, has experience as vice-captain in the ODI format during India’s recent Champions Trophy victory. Pant has also led the T20 side during a 2022 series against South Africa.
Bumrah’s injuries still a concern
The selectors remain cautious about Bumrah’s fitness. He recently returned from a back injury that sidelined him from January to April. He missed the Champions Trophy and the first half of IPL 2025 due to the same issue.
This isn’t the first time Bumrah has faced a long injury layoff. In 2022, he missed nearly 11 months due to another back injury, including the T20 World Cup in Australia.
Series to begin on June 20
India will begin their five-match Test series in England on June 20. With Bumrah possibly skipping some games, the team wants leadership stability throughout the tour.
