Jasprit Bumrah Withdraws from Test Captaincy Race as Gill and Pant Emerge as Top Contenders

Bumrah Steps Back from Captaincy Consideration

According to reports from Sky Sports News, Jasprit Bumrah has decided not to pursue the position of India's next Test captain. This development comes after Rohit Sharma's recent announcement of his retirement from Test cricket.

Initially viewed as a frontrunner for the captaincy, Bumrah has communicated to the selectors that he is unable to guarantee participation in all five matches of a lengthy Test series due to concerns about his workload. With India scheduled to face England in a five-match Test series, selectors are inclined to choose a candidate who can consistently play throughout the series.

Gill and Pant: The Leading Candidates for Captaincy

With Bumrah out of contention, the selectors are likely to focus on Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant for the captaincy role. The player not selected as captain is anticipated to take on the vice-captaincy. An official announcement regarding the captaincy and India's squad for the England series is expected by May 24.

Kohli's Retirement from Test Cricket

In a significant turn of events, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision to retire from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming series against England. Although the BCCI has not issued a public statement, they have not refuted the claims made by Sky Sports News.

It is believed that Kohli communicated his retirement intentions to chief selector Ajit Agarkar in April, aiming to step back before the new World Test Championship cycle commences in June.

Meeting Between BCCI Officials and Kohli

Agarkar and another BCCI official were scheduled to meet with Kohli again; however, this meeting's status is uncertain due to escalating tensions at the India-Pakistan border. The government has advised against inter-city travel.