Follow UsChief selector Ajit Agarkar announced Shubman Gill as India's Test captain while announcing the 18-member squad for the series against England. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was also in consideration for the job as he was the vice-captain under Rohit Sharma and also led India in a couple of Tests in Australia.
However, India picked Gill as their next Test captain and his reign will begin in England, where they will play five matches. Agarkar believes Bumrah is more of an asset as a player than a captain, and moreover, the pacer's workload is also a huge issue for the side.
"Don't think he'll be available for all five Tests. Whether it's four or three, we'll see based on how the series goes and his workload is. Even if he's fit for 3-4 Tests, he'll be an asset for us. Just happy he's part of the squad. He’s more important to us as a player," Agarkar said at a press conference in Mumbai on May 24 (Saturday).
“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 [Rahul] 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."
The five-match Test series against England will begin on June 20 at Headingley and will reach its conclusion on August 4. India have not won a Test series in England since 2007.