Having established himself as one of world’s finest fast bowlers of the modern era, Jasprit Bumrah is now being backed to succeed Rohit Sharma as full-time India Test captain. While he may have just captained India in five matches so far, Bumrah has shown signs of an astute leader and Australia legend Allan Border has tipped him to do a “very good job”.
Bumrah was India’s stand-in captain during the first Test of their ongoing five-match series in Australia in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The tourists went on to register a 295-run win in the contest.
Border, widely regarded one of the greatest captains who led Australia in 93 Tests during his playing career, is impressed with how Bumrah set his fields during the series opener held in Perth.
“He’ll (Bumrah) do a very good job. In Perth, he used himself properly. Captaincy-wise, the way he set the fields, you couldn’t fault him,” Border was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Bumrah first led India in a Test during their rescheduled fifth Test of the England tour in 2022 which they lost. He was then named captain for a three-match T20I series in Ireland in 2023 which his team won 2-0 with the third game being abandoned due to rain.
Overall, Bumrah has led India in five matches – two Tests and three T20Is.
Border also feels that a fast bowler who is also the captain of his team is tough act given the responsibilities.
“It’s a tough one, because after your over, you need to go down to fine leg for a break and a drink! As captain, you can’t do that. You need to be at mid-on, directing the field. But Bumrah did well, he’s aggressive as a bowler, but not as aggressive as a person. He’s always got that smile on his face. (Pat) Cummins too,” he said.
Border says while Bumrah’s unique action makes him an amazing bowler, his skills add a different level of difficulty for the batters.
“Bumrah, these days, is on that pedestal. His wrists, his release points are different to 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 said.
