Tactically Better: Jasprit Bumrah on Leading India in BGT Opener
22 November, Thursday, will mark the beginning of the first test between India and Australia. The first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is going to be played in Perth. It is important to note that veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the squad in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The regular skipper is missing the first test of the series due to the birth of his second child.
After being selected as the team’s vice captain, it was revealed that Bumrah will lead the squad in the opening BGT test. During the pre-match press conference of the match, Bumrah talked about leading the Indian team in such a crucial series and stated that he has his own way of leading, just like Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli had in the past.
“It is an honor. I have my own style. Virat was different, Rohit was different. And I have my own way. It is a privilege. I don’t take it as a position. I love taking responsibility. I spoke with Rohit earlier. But I got a little bit of clarity on leading the side after coming in here,” said Bumrah in the pre-match conference.
Bumrah also believes that Pacers are better off as captains as they are tactically better. He gave examples of Aussie captain Pat Cummins and India’s former skipper Kapil Dev, who have been a role model in the past.
“I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and a lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully start a new tradition,” said the veteran pacer.
The 30-year-old pacer also discussed the potential lineup for the Perth Test. He also provided an update about the veteran pacer Mohammad Shami, who has been out of the squad since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final due to injury, but has made a comeback to professional cricket with Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. Bumrah disclosed that if everything goes according to plan, Shami will be in action soon.
“We have finalized our combination. You’ll come to know it tomorrow. Shami has been an integral par, and the management is keeping a close eye. If everything goes well, you might see him here as well,” said Bumrah.