Not too often we have witnessed in International Cricket, where two fast bowlers have fronted in beside the trophy for a photoshoot, leading their respective nations. But these were the scenarios when Indian Skipper Jasprit Bumrah & Australian skipper Pat Cummins walked out ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy which is set to commence on November 22 at Perth.
Jasprit Bumrah is leading the Indian side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who’s out for the first test. This is not the first time Jasprit Bumrah has led the side in the red ball format, having led the team in 2022 in England in a rescheduled test against England. The stakes are high on this occasion, with Jasprit Bumrah leading an inexperienced side and the WTC qualifications on the line. India will be keen to start the series on a strong note.
Though often known for his Calm & Composure in Crunch situations, Jasprit Bumrah shared his thoughts on the captaincy role ahead of the first test stating his approach is leveraging his strengths & trusting his instincts. He also acknowledged the immense success Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli have had in the format but not emulating the style of their captaincy.
“You have to find your own way, you can’t blindly copy anyone. Obviously, both of them (Rohit and Virat) are very successful and gotten a lot of results, but my way… I’ve never followed a copybook plan in terms of my bowling as well, as you can see. I’ve never followed a model and I go with my instincts. That’s how I’ve always played my cricket” said Bumrah.
He also emphasized on instincts to excel as a bowler, complementing his tactical gameplay where meticulous planning & adaptability to the conditions might come into play. He paired his preparation with the flexibility to implement during those situations & having a backup plan in different situations.
Jaspreet Bumrah stated, “I have a lot of faith in my instincts and gut, so that is what I go with, and tactically as a bowler you always make a lot of plans, you’re well aware of what to do, and what adjustments you have to make during the game. I try to cover all bases as much as I can”.
Jasprit Bumrah’s role in the series would be in focus who will also play a vital role in the bowling attack as the senior most pacer in the series. Having made his test debut in 2018, the pace maestro has had a marvelous start to his career and has claimed 173 wickets in 40 matches. The Indian pacer has also enjoyed bowling in the Australian conditions and was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker in the 2018/19 Season where he picked up 21 wickets. The Indian pacer claimed 11 wickets in three matches in India’s last tour to Australia in 2020/21.
The Senior bowler in this will play a crucial role at Perth, a venue that offers extra bounce & suits the fast bowlers the most. Bumrah expressed that handling himself becomes easier while leading a team, highlighting that pushing the limits while taking the additional responsibility as leading the side. He reflected the perspective of a bowler turned captain bringing a unique change to leadership.
“Obviously there are different challenges but there are advantages as well, and I look at the advantage that I understand bowling. So you understand when the wicket is changing, what changes you have to make, what field settings are good at this moment,” Bumrah said.
Though Rohit Sharma is likely to return as skipper for the second Test, the first Test presents an opportunity for Jasprit Bumrah to showcase strong leadership and secure a positive start ahead of the challenging five-match Test series.