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Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has expressed his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership qualities. He believes that the ace pacer, known for his consistency and calm demeanor, could be the next captain of the Indian Test cricket team after Rohit Sharma steps down.
Exceptional Performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Bumrah’s exemplary performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has solidified his credentials as a potential leader. During the series in Australia, Bumrah took 32 wickets in five matches, marking the best performance by an overseas fast bowler on Australian soil. His efforts played a pivotal role in India’s victory in the opening match of the series in Perth.
Gavaskar’s Endorsement
Speaking to Channel 7, Gavaskar said,
“Bumrah could be the next captain. He leads with responsibility and carries a positive image. He has the qualities of a captain and doesn’t impose unnecessary pressure on others.”
Gavaskar highlighted that Bumrah’s approach encourages teammates to focus on their roles without feeling overburdened. This leadership style, according to Gavaskar, makes Bumrah an ideal candidate to take over the captaincy reins.
Support for Fellow Bowlers
Bumrah has been instrumental in guiding younger fast bowlers like Mohammed Siraj. His presence at mid-on or mid-off during matches has been invaluable for the team’s bowlers. Gavaskar remarked,
“Bumrah shares ideas with the bowlers and helps them improve. He has been fantastic in his role, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes captain.”
Challenges and Resilience
Despite his brilliance, Bumrah has faced challenges, including injuries. In the final Test at Sydney, he was sidelined due to an injury, leaving the team to defend a modest target of 162 runs without him. Australia eventually secured the win, but Bumrah’s earlier contributions in the series underscored his value to the team.
The Future of Indian Cricket
Bumrah’s calm leadership, ability to inspire teammates, and exceptional skill set position him as a frontrunner for the captaincy role. If he takes over, it would mark a significant shift, with a fast bowler leading India’s Test team, a rarity in the country’s cricketing history.
