Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from a leadership role-and potentially from several matches-on India’s upcoming Test tour of England is a direct result of the BCCI’s cautious approach to his fitness and workload management. Bumrah, who has a history of back injuries, notably suffered a significant setback during the final Test of the 2024–25 Australia tour, which sidelined him for nearly three months and forced him to miss India’s Champions Trophy triumph.
While Bumrah returned to competitive cricket in IPL 2025 and has performed impressively for Mumbai Indians, the BCCI and team management are determined not to risk another injury by overburdening him in a demanding five-Test series in England. During the last Australia tour, Bumrah took on vice-captaincy duties and even led India to a memorable win, but the extra responsibility coincided with a heavy workload-he bowled over 150 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy-which contributed to his injury
With Jasprit Bumrah set to miss a leadership role-and potentially several matches-during India’s five-Test tour of England starting June 20, 2025, the selectors are prioritizing a vice-captain who will be available for the entire series and can be groomed as a future leader. Here are the top three vice-captaincy options under consideration:
1. Shubman Gill
- Why he’s a frontrunner: At 25, Shubman Gill is seen as the face of India’s next generation and a long-term Test mainstay.
- Leadership experience: Gill recently served as vice-captain in ODIs during India’s Champions Trophy win and is viewed as a natural successor in the leadership group.
- Availability: He is expected to play all five Tests, fulfilling the selectors’ key criteria.
- BCCI’s preference: Multiple reports indicate the BCCI is keen to appoint Gill as vice-captain for the England series, seeing him as a future Test captain.
2. Rishabh Pant
- Why he’s in contention: Pant, 27, brings experience and flair, and has previously led India in T20Is and served as vice-captain in other formats.
- Leadership record: He captained India in a T20I series against South Africa in 2022 and has shown leadership qualities under pressure.
- Fitness and form: After returning from injury, Pant is back in the mix and is expected to be a certain starter in the XI.
- Future leadership: Like Gill, Pant is young enough to be groomed for a long-term leadership role.
3. KL Rahul
- Why he’s a dark horse: KL Rahul, though older (32), has significant captaincy experience in Tests, ODIs, and the IPL.
- Leadership record: Rahul has led India in all three formats and is a reliable presence in the middle order or as a wicketkeeper-batter.
- Availability: If fully fit, Rahul is likely to play all five Tests, making him a stable option.
- Succession planning: While not as young as Gill or Pant, Rahul’s experience could provide stability if selectors opt for a transitional vice-captain.
Why Not Jasprit Bumrah?
Bumrah was vice-captain and even led India to a Test win in Australia, but his workload management and injury history mean he won’t be available for every match in England. The selectors want a vice-captain who will play all five Tests, avoiding the need to appoint different deputies for different games.
Conclusion
With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of a leadership role for the England Test tour, Shubman Gill emerges as the leading candidate for vice-captaincy, closely followed by Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. The selectors’ focus is on grooming a young leader who can play every match and eventually succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain.
FAQs
Why isn’t Jasprit Bumrah being considered for vice-captaincy?
Due to workload management and the likelihood that he won’t play all five Tests, selectors want a vice-captain who will feature in every match.
Who is the BCCI’s preferred choice for vice-captain?
Reports suggest Shubman Gill is the frontrunner, with Rishabh Pant also strongly considered.
Will Rishabh Pant be part of the leadership group?
Pant is in contention but may be overlooked if the selectors opt for Gill as vice-captain.
Can KL Rahul be vice-captain?
KL Rahul is a possible option due to his experience, but the selectors reportedly prefer a younger face for succession planning.
When will the final decision be announced?
The BCCI is expected to announce the full squad and leadership roles ahead of the England tour, starting June 20.