Jasprit Bumrah says he turned down India's Test captaincy as he believed it would not be "fair" while he managed his workload.

Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May, with Shubman Gill announced as his successor for the upcoming five-match series against England.

Bumrah was among the favourites to be given the role, having served as vice-captain since December 2023. He also captained India for the World Test Championship final against Australia in Rohit's absence.

However, reports emerged that Bumrah, who has played in 45 Tests for his country, had withdrawn himself from consideration, which he has now confirmed.

"There's no fancy stories to it [captaincy]," Bumrah told Sky Sports. "There is no controversy, or there's no headlining statements that I was sacked, or I was not looked after.

"Before Rohit and Virat [Kohli] retired during the IPL, I had spoken to BCCI that I have discussed about my workloads going forward in a five Test-match series.

"I've spoken to the people who have managed my back. I've spoken to the surgeon as well, who's always spoken to me about how smart you have to be about the workloads.

"I did speak to him and then we came to a conclusion that I have to be a little more smart. I called the BCCI and said I don't want to be looked at in a leadership role because I won't be able to give all Test matches coming a five Test-match series.

"So then, yes, the BCCI was looking at me at leadership. But then I had to say no. It's not fair for the team as well that in a five Test-match series, someone is leading in three matches and someone else in two matches. It's not fair on the team, and I always wanted to put the team first."

Beckenham done

Headshots done

All set for Leeds #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/ygdFfoLNFR

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2025

During the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January, Bumrah suffered a back injury, which forced him to miss the Champions Trophy and the start of the 2025 Indian Premier League season.

As such, he is not expected to play all five Tests against England as he continues to manage his workload, as another injury to the same place in his back could be a "career-ender".

"[We will] plan on the go," Bumrah said when asked which Test matches he will play. "Three Test matches is what I'm looking at.

"Obviously, that number is not decided. First [Test] is definitely on, that is going to happen. The rest we'll see how things are, what is the workload, what are the scenarios going on. Three Test matches is what I can manage at this moment. And I don't want to be in a desperate scenario.

"I cannot be dictating if I'd have been the captain that [says] 'okay, I'll only play three Test matches'. That doesn't send a good message in the team as well.

"All of these things in mind, trying to give my best as a player and trying to contribute to the best of my capacity. Hopefully, in the games that I play, I'll give it my absolute best."

The first Test in India's series against England begins on June 20 at Headingley.