India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is well and truly one of the highest rated bowlers in world cricket across all three formats of the game for team India.
The ace fast bowler has also been seen in a captaincy role in Test cricket. He led the team in the postponed fifth Test against England at Edgbaston in 2022 when regular skipper Rohit Sharma had contracted Covid-19.
With Rohit, 36-year-old, the Indian management is looking for his successor to lead the team India for a longer run. Bumrah, who is already a leader in the bowling department will be a one of the strong contenders whenever Rohit retires in the format.
During an interview with Guardian, the Ahmedabad born cricketer expressed that it was an utmost honour to lead the team. He said that he loves taking responsibility and if given the opportunity, he wouldn’t hesitate to take over India’s captaincy permanently.
“I did one game and it was the utmost honour. Playing Test cricket is great, captaining was even better. Yes, we lost but we were ahead in the match and I loved the responsibility. Sometimes as a fast bowler you go down to fine leg and switch off but I loved being involved in every decision, right in the thick of things. And given the opportunity, of course, who wouldn’t?,” Bumrah said.
“Fast bowlers are the smart ones” – Jasprit Bumrah
Not many fast bowlers have become a captain for their national teams in the past. Currently, Australia’s Pat Cummins is widely rated as the best fast bowlers in the world across all three formats and currently lead Australian team to victory in WTC, ODI WC, T20 WC, and also retained Ashes series in England.
Jasprit Bumrah sees Cummins as an example to walk down the road the latter has taken.
“(Cummins) plays for Australia, the number of matches differs and that kind of thing. Not many [seamers] have done it before. But it’s a good example that yes, fast bowlers are the smart ones, they do a hard job and they know what to do around the game,” Bumrah added.
The first match of the five Test Series against England will commence from 25 January and Bumrah has been appointed as vice-captain in the series.
