IND vs ENG: MS Dhoni Had Never Captained Any Side Before Leading India, Says Jasprit Bumrah Ahead Of Captaincy Debut
Published - 01 Jul 2022, 01:14 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:09 AM
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In order to calm himself down before making his captaincy debut in the longest format of the game, Jasprit Bumrah, the captain of India for the fifth Test, is looking to the talismanic MS Dhoni for guidance.
Rohit Sharma’s latest COVID-19 test result, which eliminated him from the match, was not received until Thursday morning when Bumrah learned that he would be leading the Indian squad.
Jasprit Bumrah Up For Responsibility
Although facing an in-form England team would be difficult, Bumrah is eager for the task.
“The taste of success feels good when there is pressure. I am always up for responsibilities and I love to be in tough challenges. As a cricketer, you always want to test yourself in deep waters. I have spoken to many cricketers. Everybody improves and keep getting better,” he said on the eve of the game.
“I remember speaking to MS (Dhoni), and he told me that he never captained any side before he led India for the first time. Now, he is remembered as one of the most successful captains of all time.
“So, I am focusing on how I can help the team and not focusing on what I have done before or how the cricketing conventions or the rules have been set.”
Leading Indian Team Biggest Achievement Of My Career: Jasprit Bumrah
A fast bowler seldom serves as the captain of the Indian squad, therefore Bumrah described it as a tremendous honour and duty. After making his Test debut in January 2018, the pacer has had a spectacular ascent in international cricket, including the five-day format, where he is only four seasons old.
“Representing India in Tests was always a dream for me and this opportunity to lead the side is the biggest achievement of my career. I’m very happy that I’ve been given this opportunity. I have had immense faith in myself.
“In every scenario, I have trusted my instincts that have taken me to this level in cricket and I will keep doing that, going forward. Nothing changes for me, especially my role. That’s what I am going to do as the captain of the side,” Bumrah said.
“I only came to know that I would be leading the side after Rohit Sharma tested COVID positive once again on Thursday. I first broke the news to my family when I came to know that I would be leading the side.”
We Are Fully Prepared: Jasprit Bumrah
The guests, according to Bumrah, are up for the task.
“We are completely focused on the game and we are fully prepared, given we already played a practice match against Leicestershire, where the wicket was a bit different from this one,” said the 28-year-old.
He has already had in-depth discussions about the task at hand with Rohit and former skipper Virat Kohli.
“Their roles have been very important. Virat’s inputs will be crucial when I am bowling or when I am making (some) changes. Virat’s suggestions are going to be invaluable and always important for us,” said Bumrah.
Bumrah was hesitant to share such information a day before the game, despite the fact that the squad had chosen the openers for the game without Rohit.
“I had a look at the wicket and had discussions with our coach (Rahul Dravid) and have a fair idea on how this wicket might behave. We have decided on the openers against England as well but won’t reveal anything now.
“Rohit is a very important player and we will miss him in this game. It’s unfortunate that someone like Rohit is missing out,” he said.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Breaking News: BCCI Announces Squads For 3-match T20I Series Against England
