Bumrah’s workload management and injury concerns prompt Ajit Agarkar-led selectors to consider a more consistent, future-ready deputy for Rohit Sharma.
May 5, 2025 | India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to be relieved of his vice-captaincy duties for the upcoming five-Test tour of England, according to a report by The Indian Express. The series, beginning June 20, also marks the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for India.
⚠️ Workload Management Behind the Call
Bumrah, who was Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the previous series against Australia, is unlikely to feature in all five Tests in England due to workload and fitness management. This has prompted the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel to look for an alternative vice-captain—someone who is expected to play all five matches.
“We don’t want to appoint different deputies for different games. It’s better to have consistency in leadership,” a senior BCCI source told The Indian Express.
Bumrah has just recovered from a recurring back injury that ruled him out of the Champions Trophy and the first half of IPL 2025. Similar injuries had sidelined him for almost 11 months in 2022, including the T20 World Cup in Australia.
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🔄 Young Faces in the Frame
With an eye on the post-Rohit Sharma era, the selectors are reportedly keen to groom a younger leader through the vice-captaincy role. Two key names being considered are:
- Shubman Gill (25): Recently served as ODI vice-captain during India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign.
- Rishabh Pant (27): Has prior leadership experience, having captained India in a T20I series against South Africa in 2022.
The BCCI believes that promoting one of them now would offer the opportunity to nurture a future Test captain in the current leadership environment.
🏏 India’s England Tour Overview
- Series Start: June 20, 2025
- Format: Five-match Test series
- Context: Start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle
With Bumrah’s participation set to be rotational, the selectors are leaning toward a stable leadership structure that ensures both continuity and succession planning.
🏷️ Tags:
India Cricket, Jasprit Bumrah, Test Vice Captain, England Tour, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Ajit Agarkar, Rohit Sharma, WTC 2025-27