IND vs ENG: "Do bowlers Have Less Brains That They Are Not Able To Strategize?" - Aakash Chopra On Jasprit Bumrah Being Likely To Lead Team India

Jasprit Bumrah would have the highest distinction if he captains Team India against England in the fifth and final Test, according to Aakash Chopra. The former Indian opener also discussed the reasons why bowlers are typically denied leadership roles in cricket teams. 

Prior to the Edgbaston Test, India’s captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19 during the team’s practice match against Leicestershire. If the seasoned opener cannot recuperate in time to play, Bumrah will lead Team India. 

Jasprit Bumrah Leading India Is A Huge Thing: Aakash Chopra

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra discussed the possibility that Bumrah will serve as the game’s anchor. The former batter said: 

“Jasprit Bumrah is going to lead in the Edgbaston Test, this is a huge thing. It’s a huge honor. A lot of people ask why a bowler cannot be the captain? Do bowlers have less brains that they are not able to strategize?” 

The former cricketer-turned-commentator refuted the idea that bowlers can’t lead well. Aakash Chopra explained: 

“Dismiss that totally, their brains work more than batters because they have the ability to read different batters, workload management, what lines to bowl, it’s a very intelligent job. So it is not that bowlers cannot become good captains.” 

The last bowler to captain Team India in a Test match was Anil Kumble. If Bumrah assumes leadership in the last Test against England, he will be the first fast bowler since Kapil Dev to lead the Indian team.

Bowlers Must Make The Difficult Decision Of Controlling Their Own Overs: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra emphasised that bowlers must make the difficult decision of controlling their own overs as leaders. He elaborated: 

“There are multiple reasons why bowlers are not able to become captains. One big reason is that they are not able to manage their overs properly. Either you overbowl or underbowl yourself, it is a huge huge problem.” 

The 44-year-old made the point that bowlers, in addition to considering the needs of their team, also don’t want to be seen abusing their position of authority. Chopra observed: 

“When do you get yourself to bowl is one question, and then how long you get yourself to bowl is the second question, which is very difficult to understand.

You want to be unbiased, you want to be neutral. You think about what is best for your team but you also think that no one should think that you are misusing the authority you have.” 

Aakash Chopra noted that bowlers must consider their personal bowling strategies in addition to team strategies and cannot take a rest if they are the captain. The reputable expert believes that Jasprit Bumrah is not a long-term leadership choice for Team India in light of the aforementioned considerations. 

Also Read: IND vs IRE: “When You Wear The Indian Jersey, You Think About The Team First” – Deepak Hooda