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Key Points

Jasprit Bumrah has stepped back from the India Test captaincy race due to workload concerns. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are now the leading candidates to replace Rohit Sharma. Reports also suggest Virat Kohli may retire from Tests before the England series. The official squad announcement is expected by May 24.

Key Points: Bumrah Withdraws From India Test Captaincy Race as Gill Pant Lead

  • Bumrah withdraws citing workload management
  • Gill and Pant now frontrunners
  • Kohli reportedly retiring before England Tests
  • Squad announcement expected May 24
2 min read

Bumrah steps aside from Test captaincy race; Gill, Pant now leading contenders

Jasprit Bumrah opts out of India Test captaincy due to workload concerns, leaving Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as top contenders.

"Bumrah cannot commit to playing all five Tests in long series due to workload concerns. - Sky Sports News"

New Delhi, May 11

Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly taken himself out of the running to become India's next Test captain, according to Sky Sports News. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant have now emerged as the top candidates to replace Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from Test cricket recently.

Although Bumrah was widely seen as the favourite for the role, he is understood to have informed the selectors that he cannot commit to playing all five matches in long Test series because of workload concerns. With India set to play five Tests against England, the selectors are said to prefer someone who can play the entire series consistently.

With Bumrah out of the race, the selectors will likely choose between Gill and Pant for the captaincy. Whichever player isn't selected as captain is expected to be named vice-captain. The official announcement, along with India's squad for the England series, is expected by May 24.

In another major development, Sky Sports News reports that Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision to retire from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming England series. While the BCCI did not release a public statement, they also did not deny the report, as per Sky Sports News.

It is understood that Kohli told chief selector Ajit Agarkar in April about his intention to step away before the new World Test Championship cycle begins in June. Agarkar and another BCCI official were planning to meet Kohli again, but that meeting is currently uncertain due to rising tensions at the India-Pakistan border. The government has advised citizens against inter-city travel.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Smart decision by Bumrah! Our pace battery is too precious to risk with extra workload. Between Gill and Pant, I'd go with Gill - he's shown maturity beyond his years. But wow, Kohli retiring from Tests? End of an era 😢
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Priya M.
Pant deserves this chance! He's a natural leader and brings aggression to the game. Also, with Kohli leaving, we need someone who can inspire fear in opponents. Just hope his keeping improves if he becomes captain 🤞
A
Amit S.
Why rush with young captains? We have experienced players like Rahane or Pujara who can handle the transition. Test cricket needs calm heads, not just young blood. Also, the border situation affecting cricket decisions - shows how everything is connected.
S
Sanjay T.
Gill as captain, Pant as VC makes most sense. Both represent new India - fearless and talented. But BCCI should clarify Kohli's status properly instead of letting foreign media break the news. Our cricket board needs to be more professional!
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Neha R.
As much as I love Pant's energy, Test captaincy requires different skills. Remember Dhoni's calmness? Gill seems to have that quality. And prayers for our soldiers at the border - cricket comes second to national security 🇮🇳
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Vikram D.
England series will be tough with so many changes. But change is good! Young captains bring fresh ideas. Just hope selectors don't make this a popularity contest. We need the best leader, not just the most famous player. #TeamIndia

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