Rohit Sharma Defends Jasprit Bumrah’s Vice-Captaincy Appointment
On Tuesday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma defended the decision to appoint Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, emphasizing that the leading fast bowler is a vital member of the leadership group with a profound understanding of the game.
Bumrah’s ascension to the vice-captaincy, which takes effect for the series commencing on Wednesday, was somewhat unexpected, particularly since India did not have a deputy for Rohit during the recent series against Bangladesh.
This move is perceived as a potential indication of Bumrah taking on the captaincy role during the forthcoming tour of Australia.
According to a report by PTI on October 10, Rohit is anticipated to miss at least one Test match in Australia due to personal commitments.
“Bumrah has extensive experience in cricket. I have played alongside him for a long time, and he possesses a solid grasp of the game. He is quite perceptive, and when you engage with him, he demonstrates a clear understanding of the sport,” Rohit stated during a press conference held prior to the match, which was affected by rain during India’s training session.
“From a tactical standpoint, I cannot elaborate much since he has limited captaincy experience. He has captained in one Test match and a few T20s, if I recall correctly,” he continued.
Bumrah previously captained India in the rescheduled Test against England in 2022 and led the team during the T20I series against Ireland last year.
“He knows what is necessary in critical situations. When a leader is needed to rise to the occasion, I believe Bumrah will be among those who can do so. He has consistently been part of our leadership group,” Rohit remarked.
The 37-year-old captain noted that his leading pacer has naturally transitioned into a mentoring role for the younger bowlers in the squad.
“Whether it involves communicating with the newcomers or engaging with the team to discuss strategies, Bumrah has taken on that responsibility effectively.”
