Why have Jasprit Bumrah & KL Rahul been ignored for vice-captaincy role in ENG vs IND 2025 Tests?
The BCCI selection committee announced India’s Test squad for the forthcoming tour of England via a press conference on Saturday, May 24. With Shubman Gill named the new red-ball captain and Rishabh Pant his deputy, chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul weren’t considered for the vice-captaincy role.
Some reports claimed Bumrah wouldn’t play all five Tests against England before the squad was announced. Agarkar noted that the selectors’ prime focus was on having Bumrah fit for all formats and not overburden him with work and responsibilities.
The former India cricketer, hence, said Bumrah wasn’t handed the vice-captaincy role because they wanted to manage his workload. He also stated that KL Rahul wasn’t considered for any leadership role, and the committee wishes to see him play purely as a batter and have a great series.
Dubbing Bumrah as an “important” player for the team, Agarkar said that they discussed the same with the pacer, who was in line with their decision. Speaking during the conference, the 47-year-old said (via Firstpost):
“More important to us as a player. Once you’re managing people, there’s a lot that takes out of you. We’ve had a chat with him, he’s okay with it. He knows where his body’s at. KL not really, he’s captained a while back, he’s a quality player and hope he has a big series. With Booms, it was more about his workload management.”
While KL Rahul is likely to play all five games against England, Bumrah will miss one or two, depending on his fitness and workload.
Jasprit Bumrah set to play IPL 2025 playoffs
Mumbai Indians (MI) have found themselves a spot in the top four of the IPL 2025 points table and will now gear up for the knockout stage of the tournament. Jasprit Bumrah has played a key role in the team’s success this season and will aim to keep up with his form in the playoffs.
Bumrah and MI are on their hunt for a record sixth IPL title, having clinched the coveted silverware in the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 editions of the tournament. The Mumbai-based outfit currently have the joint-most IPL titles, five, alongside their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK).