While Jasprit Bumrah made his international debut for India in 2016 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, the star Indian pacer has got to play under some big names as captains of the Indian team, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite their distinguished records, Bumrah surprised many during a recent interview when he was asked to name the greatest Indian captain of all time. Instead, he humorously named himself.
Giving the reason, Jasprit Bumrah said, “See, my favorite captain is me because I have captained a few games. Obviously, there are great captains, but I will take my name… I am my favorite captain,” he told the Indian Express.
The little time Bumrah has spent as captain includes his debut as captain against England in the rescheduled Test in Birmingham on July 1, 2022, and then leading India in two T20Is against Ireland in Dublin in the same year. He is currently the vice-captain of India’s Test side.
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Bumrah, reflecting on his time spent under the leadership of Sharma, rued it as a high upskilling curve with the 37-year-old. He has been an integral part of all five IPL wins for Mumbai since his debut in 2013 and has also won a T20 World Cup title with Sharma as captain.
“A lot to learn from Rohit Sharma and the way he has matured as captain: he learnt from mistakes, is open to feedback, isn’t rigid, listens to everyone and then finally filters it in,” Jasprit Bumrah said.
He’s also credited Rohit for the effort made in the infusion of youngsters into the team, which created a sense of importance and value in contributing to the team. Bumrah stressed how Rohit goes the extra mile to make a supportive environment, taking young chaps out to discussion about the game, therefore encouraging them to take responsibility.
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“In the recent England series, when the youngsters came in, Rohit made the atmosphere very comfortable; he took extra effort; he will take them out; he will talk about the game to them; he will try and push them to take responsibility, as the youngsters should feel that all are on the same platform; there is no senior or junior.”
This blend of humor and respect he genuinely seems to have for his colleagues underscores Bum’s unique perspective and his appreciation of the different leadership styles that he has been exposed to over his career.
