IND vs ENG: All He Needs To Do Is Wear His Captain's Cap When He Is Not Bowling - Mahela Jayawardene's Advice For Skipper Jasprit Bumrah

Mahela Jayawardene has encouraged Jasprit Bumrah to focus solely on his bowling while he has the ball in his hand. He continued by saying that when the speedster is not bowling, he can wear his captain’s hat.

India will be led by Bumrah in the Friday-starting rescheduled Test against England in Birmingham. After Rohit Sharma, the team’s normal skipper was forced to withdraw from the match due to COVID-19, the 28-year-old was made captain.

Jasprit Bumrah has no prior experience in leadership. However, Jayawardene, who has done work with the fast bowler at MI for the last few seasons, believes the team seems to have enough seniors to mentor him. He stated on the ICC Review show:

“He is got a lot of senior guys on his team as well.” Guys like Virat, as well as the rest of the boys, will undoubtedly assist him in the middle.”

“All he has to do is don his captain’s hat when he is not bowling. He must concentrate solely on his bowling when he is bowling. He is aware of the appropriate course of action to take. He will probably need to play in a few locations to ensure that he is calling the right plays.”

Jayawardene on Jasprit Bumrah as long-term leader:

India will eventually need another long-term alternative as captain because Rohit turned 35 earlier this year and Rishabh Pant might be too young to assume the post.

When questioned about if Bumrah would be the solution, Jayawardene responded, “It relies on his schedule and how he balances all that. India depends on his continued good health. A fast bowler will find it difficult to play all formats. As long as you give them tasks you need to complete priority… Although holding the Indian captaincy is not simple, if he can handle the burden, why not?”

The fifth Test, the one between England and India that has been rescheduled, will start on July 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The Indian team presently has a 2-1 advantage in the series.

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