Jasprit Bumrah openly revolts against Rohit Sharma; demands India's full-time captaincy

Team India pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain the national cricket team in the first Test of the upcoming five-match series against Australia. Jasprit Bumrah stated that pace bowlers should lead teams, adding that they bring tactical advantages to the leadership group.

Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, set to be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth starting on November 22. Rohit is currently in India with his wife after welcoming their second child last week. Bumrah will act as interim captain for the first Test.

Always Advocated For Pacers Being Captains - Jasprit Bumrah

During a press conference, Jasprit Bumrah humorously corrected a journalist who called him a "medium pacer," adding that he's a "fast bowler." Bumrah also said that fast bowlers make great captains due to their tactical advantage while praising Pat Cummins for his leadership.

"How does it feel to captain India as a medium pace all-rounder," the reporter asked.

"Yaar, I can bowl 150kmph, at least you say, fast bowler captain," Bumrah responded.

"I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and a lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully, a start of a new tradition," he added.

Upcoming Test Series Crucial for Both Teams to Reach WTC Final

Bumrah has captained India in Tests just once, during Rohit Sharma's absence in the fifth Test against England in 2022. India lost by seven wickets despite Bumrah's strong performance with the ball. The upcoming match at Optus Stadium will witness two pace bowlers captaining teams in Test cricket.

Cummins has achieved success as Australia's captain, while Bumrah is still relatively new to leadership. This highly anticipated Test series is crucial for both teams to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, which is scheduled to be played at iconic Lord's in London next year.

We Are Very Well Prepared - Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah said that they arrived early and had ample time to familiarize themselves with the WACA pitch. He pointed out that many young players are visiting the venue for the first time. Bumrah added that everything will fall into place as the team stays focused.

“We are very well prepared because we came here early. We got some time to spend at WACA. A lot of youngsters are coming here for the first time. But when we came here for the first time, we got less time than this, and we ended up winning the series."

"We always believe and have confidence in our side. Whenever we play, whatever the situation might be, So yes, in terms of preparations, we are in a very good place. And then now it’s all about being mentally switched on, and we are looking to do that, and hopefully things will fall into place," Bumrah told reporters.

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