India May Replace Bumrah as Vice Captain for England Series
India’s preparations for the high-profile five-match Test series against England are already underway, and a major decision concerning the team’s leadership group is reportedly on the cards. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in recent series, might not retain his vice-captaincy role during the upcoming England tour starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Here’s a detailed look at why this decision is being considered and who are the top contenders to replace him.
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1. Why Jasprit Bumrah Might Lose the Vice-Captaincy Role
According to reports, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss a few matches in the five-Test series due to workload management. This has prompted selectors to reconsider his vice-captaincy role. Bumrah’s potential unavailability for all five Tests isn’t related to his leadership skills—rather, it’s purely a precautionary measure due to his history of injuries, especially his lower back.
The selectors reportedly want someone who can be present in all five games. A source from the Indian team management told the Indian Express:
“We want a player who will be available for all five Test matches and he should be given the vice-captain’s role. Bumrah won’t be playing all five matches, so we don’t want to appoint different deputies for different games.”
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2. Bumrah’s Recent Fitness Concerns
Jasprit Bumrah suffered a lower back issue during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 in Australia, where he also captained India to their only win of the series. That injury forced him to skip the limited-overs series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bumrah also missed a few matches in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
Given his injury-prone history, especially with the strain that English conditions can put on fast bowlers, the management is expected to rotate Bumrah and not overburden him.
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3. Shastri’s Wise Words on Managing Bumrah
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also emphasized caution when it comes to handling Bumrah. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri advised that Bumrah should ideally play no more than four matches, with breaks in between if required.
“I would be very, very careful [with Bumrah]. I would give him two Test matches at a time and then wait for the break… He should be given the first opportunity to say, ‘Yes, I’m feeling a niggle. A break would help.’” – Ravi Shastri
This recommendation aligns with the current team strategy of workload management for key players, especially pacers.
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4. Why Yashasvi Jaiswal Is Not in the Running
One of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has shown maturity beyond his age. However, despite his growing stature, he is not being considered for the vice-captaincy role due to his age and lack of experience in handling leadership duties at the international level.
At just 23, the selectors believe it’s too early to burden Jaiswal with a leadership role during such a crucial overseas series.
5. The Two Frontrunners: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant
The selectors are now reportedly deliberating between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to take over the vice-captaincy duties. Both have emerged as mature cricketers and strong team figures.
A. Shubman Gill – The 25-Year-Old Future Captain?
Shubman Gill is already being groomed as a future leader. He captains Gujarat Titans in the IPL and has shown poise, temperament, and a good understanding of the game. At 25, he fits the profile of someone who can take over long-term responsibilities and is expected to feature in all five Tests.
B. Rishabh Pant – The Comeback Leader?
Rishabh Pant, aged 27, has prior leadership experience, having captained Delhi Capitals in the IPL and briefly led India in limited-overs formats. He is known for his aggressive intent, cricketing instincts, and charisma. If he is declared fully fit and in the Test XI, Pant becomes a strong candidate for the vice-captaincy.
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6. KL Rahul Unlikely to Return to Leadership
Interestingly, KL Rahul, who is the only captaincy-experienced player in his 30s, is unlikely to be given the responsibility. His inconsistent place in the Test XI and his limited recent leadership success are working against him.
Despite being a technically solid player and one of the senior-most members of the squad, Rahul’s future in the Test side is still under observation.
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7. Importance of Consistent Leadership on a Long Tour
The five-Test series in England is going to be one of the longest Test assignments for Team India in recent years. Having consistent leadership across the series is vital, especially in conditions where adaptability and strategy play a key role. Hence, selecting a vice-captain who will be a part of all five Tests is not just logical, but also necessary for maintaining team cohesion.
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8. Series Details: When and Where
India’s five-Test tour of England will begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. The full itinerary is yet to be officially confirmed, but the series is expected to continue till early August. This tour will be crucial for India in the World Test Championship cycle and could define the legacy of several players including Rohit Sharma and Bumrah.
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Conclusion: A Big Call Ahead for Selectors
The decision to potentially relieve Jasprit Bumrah of vice-captaincy is a tough one but made with the team’s best interest in mind. With workload management becoming a central pillar of India’s player care strategy, especially for fast bowlers, this move seems inevitable.
As things stand, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the top contenders to assist Rohit Sharma as vice-captain. Whoever gets the nod will have big shoes to fill but also a golden opportunity to cement their place as a leader of the future.
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