Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa expressed his curiosity about Jasprit Bumrah’s performance as a captain while keeping an eye on his much-awaited comeback from injury in the upcoming three-match T20I series scheduled to begin on August 18 in Dublin. Despite India not fielding their first-choice squad, the series has garnered significant attention as the cricketing world eagerly anticipates Bumrah’s return after nearly a year of sideline recuperation.
Jasprit Bumrah is poised to become the 11th captain to lead India in the T20I format and notably, the first fast bowler to take up this role. Hardik Pandya captained the team in a 2-match T20I series in Dublin last year; however, he and other prominent players were not included in the Ireland T20I squad as India’s first-choice side gears up for preparations ahead of the Asia Cup commencing on August 24.
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Having previously led India in Test cricket during a rescheduled match against England in 2022, Bumrah’s leadership skills are not entirely untested. He was named captain when Rohit Sharma fell ill. Though the outcome wasn’t in India’s favor, Bumrah showcased his bowling prowess.
“It’s interesting. He has leadership skills and he could become our Test captain too, because he is a shrewd strategist. He has the chance to do that here apart from making a comeback. It will be interesting to see how he goes about it,” remarked Robin Uthappa.
The moment we have all been waiting for. @Jaspritbumrah93 like we have always known him. 🔥🔥 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/uyIzm2lcI9
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 16, 2023
The vice-captaincy for the Dublin series goes to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is also set to lead India in the Asian Games in Hangzhou. With a team comprising fresh faces, Uthappa emphasized the nation’s collective hope for Bumrah’s injury-free performance in the T20I series.
“I expect Bumrah to go injury-free this series and stay completely healthy. Every Indian supporter would want that from him. He should just feel like himself again, and that would bode well for the Indian team,” Robin Uthappa added.
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The Indian team management is keen for Bumrah to complete his overs in the three matches, proving his match fitness in preparation for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. The Asia Cup commences on August 30, followed by the ODI World Cup on October 5.
Bumrah’s journey over the past year has been marked by injury challenges. Following a recurring back issue that had persisted since September 2022, he underwent back surgery in New Zealand in March 2023. This led to his absence from prominent events, including the T20 World Cup in Australia and the Indian Premier League in 2023. His return to the international scene after diligent rehabilitation is anticipated with enthusiasm.
