Is Jasprit Bumrah eyeing India's Test captaincy? He answers
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, on Monday, said that it would be an "honor to lead India" in Test cricket. Bumrah's comments came two days after Virat Kohli stepped down as Team India's Test captain. The former is one of the Indian players in contention to become captain in Test cricket. However, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma remain the front-runner for the role.
Why does it matter?
Kohli stepped down as captain of India's Test side last week. He made the announcement a day after India lost the three-match Test series in South Africa. Bumrah is Team India's first mainstay player to show interest in captaincy. The Indian pace spearhead was the vice-captain in the second Test against South Africa. KL Rahul led in place of Kohli in that match.
Will be an honor to lead India: Bumrah
Bumrah opened up on captaincy in the pre-match conference ahead of the SA-India ODI series. "For me, I am ready to contribute in whichever manner I can, be it in the post or otherwise. If given opportunity it's an honor, but if not then also I will try to do whatever is required to the best of my ability," he said.
Bumrah will be India's vice-captain in SA ODIs
Bumrah will serve as Team India's vice-captain in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Rahul will lead India in the absence of Rohit, who was ruled out with an injury. The All-India Senior Selection Committee announced the squad in December.
A look at the Test career of Bumrah
Bumrah has been India's premier pacer across formats. In an international career spanning nearly six years, Bumrah has represented India in 27 Tests. He has scalped 113 wickets at an incredible average of 22.86 so far. The tally includes 7 five-wicket hauls. He has the best match haul of 9/86. Notably, 109 of his total Test wickets have come overseas.
Other players who can replace Kohli
Rohit is the front-runner to replace Kohli as India's Test captain. He was recently appointed India's T20I and ODI captain. The BCCI has repeatedly talked about longevity when it comes to captaincy. Considering that, top-order batter Rahul could be the ideal man. However, he has no prior experience of leading a side. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is another candidate for the role.
