Jasprit Bumrah finally breaks silence on why he said no to India Test captaincy

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has opened up about not accepting the Test captaincy. The fast bowler said that his workload management and back issues forced him to call the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

After the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah was the front-runner to lead the Indian Cricket Team in the Test format. This was because he was the vice-captain of the team and captained the team in the absence of Rohit in Australia, helping the team win in Perth. 

However, when it came to the full-time captaincy, Shubman Gill was preferred ahead of Jasprit Bumrah. This was because the BCCI stated that they needed to manage the workload of fast bowlers, and hence, the young batter was given the opportunity. 

BCCI was looking at me as the leadership role but I have to say no to them - Jasprit Bumrah

While talking about why he didn't take the leadership, Jasprit Bumrah said that he discussed about his workload with many officials and he came to the conclusion that he needs to be smart. He revealed that he called BCCI and told them that he couldn't be the captain. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: 

"Before Rohit & Virat retired - During the IPL, I had spoken to BCCI, that I have discussed about workload going forward in a five-match Test series, I have spoken to people who manage my back - we came to conclusion that we have to be little more smart, then I called the BCCI that I don't want to be looked at the leadership role. 

"Because I won't be able to play all the Test matches, BCCI was looking at me as the leadership role but I have to say no to them because it's not ideal when someone is leading for 3 tests then some other have to lead rest of the tests so it's not fair for the team as I wanted to put team first". 

Jasprit Bumrah will be next seen in action when India will take on England in the five-match Test series. The series will begin from 20th June at Headingly in Leeds.