The modern best fast bowler in test cricket, Jasprit Bumrah, to open the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match of the 2024-25 series in Perth on the Indian team captain.
Rohit Sharma will not lead the side as he became the father of his second-born child while on tour.
He has risen to the challenge as he last captained the team when the Test series against England saw the light of day way back in July 2022.
Leadership is not new to Bumrah, for fast bowlers hardly ever take up the captaincy role within Indian cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah Latest News: Ascension to Test Captaincy
Since his Test debut in South Africa in 2018, Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as the crucial pace pillar in India’s attack.
Bumrah, at a tender age of 30, has amassed 40 Tests with 173 wickets and 32 wickets in only 7 matches across Australian soil with an impressive average of 21.25.
Jasprit Bumrah wickets record manifests his durability under intense situations and making a significant impact in the game.
On being questioned about his leadership style, Bumrah said that he relies on instincts and originality rather than mimicking others.
“I’ve never followed a copybook plan in my bowling, and the same applies to my captaincy,” Bumrah shared during a press conference.
“I have a lot of faith in my instincts and gut, which is how I approach cricket.”
Tactical Insights and Challenges
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Having the dual challenges of being the skipper as well as the pace spearhead and the particularly friendly pitches at Perth’s Optus Stadium makes things even more difficult.
Bumrah, however, revels in such situations: “I can manage myself best as captain because I know my body, when to push myself, and when to take extra responsibility.”
This tactical knowledge, acquired over years of strategizing as a bowler, will be key in his attempt at success.
“Bowling calls for detailed planning and analysis,” Bumrah said. “As a bowler, you’re constantly adjusting to the demands of the game, and I will apply a similar sense of awareness to my captaincy as well,” he added.
He cited instances of captains from bowling backgrounds thriving in terms of reading pitch behavior, effective fields, and counterplays against opponents.
Comparison with Rohit and Kohli:
Bumrah paid homage to his predecessors, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but remained assertive that he needed to carve out his own road.
“Both Rohit and Virat have achieved massive success, but I believe in finding my own way,” Bumrah said.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in adaptability, creativity, and the ability to think on his feet, much like his bowling style.
India faces Australia in a much-talked-about series opener at the Optus Stadium, but it will be Bumrah’s captaincy that will take all the limelight.
R Ashwin will also make his Perth Test debut for India, where he adds an extra dimension to the team’s bowling attack and gives Bumrah an immense, as well as flexible, partner in formulating strategies against the potent Australian batting lineup.
Notwithstanding the increased burden of leadership, Bumrah did not lose sight of his main task as a bowler.
“My bowling expertise keeps me alert to the change in conditions and what changes are required,” he said. “For me, it’s challenges that always help me try my skills and gain experience.”
Career Summary
Image Credit: Outlook
Test Cricket Career
- Total Test Wickets: 173 in 40 matches.
- Australia Test Wickets: 32 in 7 matches at an average of 21.25.
- Highest Test Score: 55 vs England in 2022.
- Jasprit Bumrah Date of Birth: December 6, 1993 (30 years).
These figures depict the solidity of Bumrah along with his productive promise for Indian cricket, which has put an incredibly important piece for the side.
Rohit Sharma’s Return
Rohit is expecting to arrive in Perth on November 24, right in the middle of the first TEST. It will bring more energy to the team and more leadership we need for our team.
Bumrah’s captaincy echoes Pat Cummins’ leadership for Australia, sparking discussions about the growing acceptance of fast bowlers as captains in international cricket.
Cummins, too, expressed his belief in the value fast bowlers bring to leadership roles, emphasizing their tactical insights and work ethic.
The transformation of Jasprit Bumrah from a prized bowler to a test captain encapsulates his growth and adjustment.
Guided by instincts, Bumrah aspires to leave his mark in the annals of Indian cricket history.
Fans eagerly await to see how his leadership shapes India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign as he steps out onto the Perth pitch.
FAQs on Jasprit Bumrah
- Has Bumrah ever been a captain?
In fact, Bumrah has only captained India in one Test match as recently as the July Test against England and is the first Test captain for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.
- What is the count of Tests Bumbah played till the day?
Bumra has played 40 Test matches since the start of the year 2018.
- Has Bumrah ever captained the team?
Yes, Bumrah has led the Indian side in a Test match in July 2022 against England.
- Is Bumrah a vice-captain?
Bumrah is not India’s vice-captain but has captained the side when regular players were absent.
- Who is India’s best captain?
All in all, the desired opinion was more inclined towards MS Dhoni, and the other two are considered as near competitors to Dhoni by many spectators: Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli.
- Is Bumrah a good player?
Yes. He falls among the finest fast bowlers in the world with deadly yorkers, speed, and, more importantly, the ability to perform across formats.
- Which Indian cricketer is the Test vice-captain?
There is no regular vice-captain on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as of the present time and Bumrah is being appointed as a stand-in captain.
Reference: Cricbuzz
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