Jasprit Bumrah Branded as a “Natural Leader” Ahead of Captaincy in Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah has been hailed as a “natural leader” by India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel ahead of the series opener in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth.
With Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first Test, Bumrah steps in as captain, marking the second time the star pacer has donned the skipper’s hat, his first stint being against England in 2022.
Selected as vice-captain for the series, Bumrah quickly emerged as the preferred choice to lead in Rohit’s absence. Morkel expressed confidence in the bowler’s leadership qualities, crediting his ability to inspire and lead by example.
“Jassi was quick to raise his hand for the leadership role. He’s been successful here before and knows what to expect. In the dressing room, he communicates effectively, and on the field, he’s the kind of player who leads from the front. That sets the tone for the younger players to follow,” Morkel said at a press conference.
The series opener carries immense weight, with India looking to bounce back from their first home Test series whitewash in 24 years. Australia, fresh from an ODI series loss to Pakistan, is equally keen to reignite the rivalry.
Adding to the intensity is India’s less-than-stellar Test record in Perth, further amplifying expectations on Bumrah’s shoulders.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Morkel pointed out that Bumrah’s calm demeanor and the support of experienced players will help the team navigate pressure moments.
“Leading the side is an exciting challenge for him. Once the match gets underway, the chaos will subside, and that sense of calm will seep into the team. Bumrah’s leadership and approach to the game make him a natural fit for this role,” Morkel noted.
