Ravindra Jadeja has become the senior-most player in the Indian Test team after the retirements of Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the longest format in last six months.

However, Jadeja’s name was never brought up when India’s captaincy was discussed following Rohit’s exit in May 2025.

Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s Test skipper, becoming the third-youngest to take the job. He’s currently leading India in England, with Rishabh Pant performing the role of a deputy.

Addressing the media after the second day’s play at Edgbaston, Jadeja was asked whether he had any ambitions to lead the Indian Test team.

The all-rounder, who scored 89 in India’s first innings at Edgbaston, had a curious reply. “Wo time gaya (that ship has sailed)," Jadeja said.

Jadeja was effusive in praise of the new captain, although again in his honestly hilarious ways. He forged a huge 203-run partnership with Gill, who slammed a record-breaking 269.

“You didn’t see how much Shubman Gill has grown?," Jadeja laughed when asked about Gill’s growth. “Shubman scored 269 runs. He was unlucky because aaj lag nahi raha tha ki wo out hoga (today, it never looked like he was going to get out). We were actually talking about building a long partnership," he added.

The all-rounder was also asked about Kuldeep Yadav, who was ignored in the playing XI for both Tests despite being potentially India’s X-factor as a wicket-taker.

“Whenever Kuldeep Yadav gets an opportunity, he’ll do well — he’s a wicket-taker. I spend time with him, but whenever we go out, we never discuss cricket. A player should always focus on controlling the controllables," Jadeja remarked.

In reply to India’s mammoth first inning score of 587, England went to stumps at 77/3. Akash Deep, replacing Jasprit Bumrah in the XI at Edgbaston, dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks while Mohammed Siraj got rid of Zak Crawley on 19.