Jasprit Bumrah Praised as Captaincy Contender as Rohit Sharma Faces Scrutiny
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a rollercoaster for Team India. This is true for both its performances and its leadership. India won the series opener in Perth by 295 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, the stand-in captain, led the team as Rohit Sharma was unavailable. However, the tables turned in the second Test. India lost by 10 wickets in the pink-ball match in Adelaide. This was under Rohit’s leadership.
The third Test in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw. This has led to criticism of Rohit Sharma’s poor form and leadership. It has sparked talks about India’s future in Test cricket. Former Australia captain Allan Border has added fuel to the debate. He endorsed Bumrah as a long-term captaincy option for India.
Allan Border: “Jasprit Bumrah Will Do a Very Good Job as Captain”
Allan Border praised Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy in Perth. He noted the pacer’s tactical skill and on-field decisions. Border noted that Bumrah’s unique bowling skills add to his leadership.
“He’ll do a very good job. In Perth, he used himself properly. Captaincy-wise, the way he set the fields, you couldn’t fault him. Bumrah, these days, is on that pedestal. His wrists, his release points are different to other bowlers,” Border told Times of India.
Border compared Bumrah’s bowling technique to a weapon. It sets him apart from other bowlers.
“Because of that hyperextension, he’s releasing the ball a foot further down than other bowlers. He’s got a unique shuffling run-up, and then the snap of these wrists, he’s amazing. Being different, plus having that skill, it’s a whole different level of difficulty for the batsman,” he added.
Justin Langer Compares Bumrah to Wasim Akram
Former Australian head coach Justin Langer praised Bumrah. He compared the Indian pacer to Pakistan legend Wasim Akram.
“I would hate to face him. He is like Wasim Akram. For me, he is a right-hand version of Wasim Akram, and every time I am asked the question ‘Who is the best bowler you have ever faced’, I say Wasim Akram,” said Langer.
Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Under Fire
In contrast, Rohit Sharma’s return to the helm has not been smooth. His leadership in Adelaide led to a bad loss, then a rain-affected draw in Brisbane. Critics doubt he can lead India long-term. His batting struggles in the series fuel this.
With the series level at 1-1, the spotlight is firmly on Rohit as India prepares for the fourth Test in Melbourne. With each game, doubts grow about his ability to deliver under pressure.
Bumrah’s Recent Contributions Strengthen His Case
As the debate over India’s leadership continues, Bumrah shines. He is a great player and a potential captain. In the third Test at Brisbane, Bumrah showed his grit with the bat. He partnered with Akash Deep to save India from a follow-on.
The lower-order heroics recalled his all-around play in the 2021 Lord’s Test against England. They further cemented his reputation as a game-changer for India.
Looking Ahead to the Fourth Test
The fourth Test between India and Australia starts on December 26 at the MCG. With the series tied at 1-1, India needs its leaders to perform, on and off the field.
Rohit Sharma faces pressure to perform as a captain. At the same time, Jasprit Bumrah’s rising fame as a leader has stirred debate about India’s future.