India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is all set to become the 36th Test captain of the Indian team. Bumrah will become the first captain as a fast bowler after Kapil Dev led the team back in 1987. It is a huge moment for the pacer, who has only taken upward strides in his young Test career.
Bumrah has gone from strength to strength in his career and it will be a big opportunity for him to lead from the front. The fast bowler said that his way of leading the team will be different from the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Bumrah has played under the tutelage of all these three players, who have always led the team with aplomb. Meanwhile, it is well known that Bumrah has a calm head on his shoulders and he will look to get the best out of his players in the solitary Test match against in-form England side.
On the other hand, Bumrah had a great series against England in 2021 as he had scalped 18 wickets in four matches at an average of 20.83 and thus he had played a key role in helping the visitors take a 2-1 lead in the series. Ergo, Bumrah will look to continue the same form in the rescheduled Test match.
Jasprit Bumrah said in the pre-match press conference, “Obviously, these are the legends of the game (MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma). They have contributed a lot to Indian cricket and they are doing so till now. I always try to listen to everyone’s advice.”
He continued: “I try to learn from them but eventually, (it’s about) what your instincts tell you. In the end, your own way cannot be the same as everyone else. I have played under many seniors, and I always look to learn, but I (will) take the calls on my own.”
Meanwhile, it has been noticed that batters are mostly given the captaincy reins of a team. However, Bumrah believe every player reads the game in his own way.
“Batters, bowlers or keepers, we are all players and we all look to work to the best of our ability. Everyone reads the game and there are many leaders within the group. I can take guidance from them. Our main aim is to make the team win. I am not thinking that just because I am a bowler, I have to bring something new to the table.”
On the other hand, England is in sublime form as they recently bested New Zealand by 3-0 and dominated the whole series against the Test champions. However, Bumrah said they are not looking at how England is playing and they are going to back their strengths.
“The way England are playing, we are not looking at that. We are focusing on what our strengths are. If we do our work nicely, then we can believe that we can win in any condition and situation. We do not want to give mental advantage to the opposition. We are not looking to focus on outside noise.”
The rescheduled Test match starts Friday at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
