Mahela Jayawardene has encouraged Jasprit Bumrah to just focus on his bowling while he has the ball in his hand. He went on to say that when the speedster isn’t bowling, he can wear his captain’s cap.
India will be led by Bumrah in the rescheduled Test from Friday against England in Birmingham. After Rohit Sharma, the team’s normal skipper was forced to pull out of the game due to COVID-19, the 28-year-old was named captain.
Jasprit Bumrah has no previous leadership experience. However, Jayawardene, who has worked with the fast MI bowler for the past few seasons, believes the team appear to have enough seniors to guide him. He said on ICC Review:
“He also has a lot of senior guys in his team.” Guys like Virat, along with the rest of the boys, will undoubtedly help him in the middle.
“All he has to do is put on his captain’s hat when he’s not bowling. He must concentrate only on his bowling game when bowling. He is aware of the proper course of action. He’ll probably have to play a few places to make sure he’s calling the right plays.
Jayawardene on Jasprit Bumrah as a long term leader:
India will eventually need another long-term alternative as captain as Rohit turned 35 earlier this year and Rishabh Pant may be too young to take on the job.
When asked if Bumrah would be the solution, Jayawardene replied, “It depends on his schedule and how he balances it all. India depends on its good health. A fast bowler will struggle to play all formats. As long as you give them tasks, you must complete them first… Although detaining the Indian captain is not easy, if he can bear the burden, why not?
The fifth Test, the one between England and India which has been postponed, will start on July 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The Indian team currently has a 2-1 lead in the series.
Also read: ENG vs IND: Playing against India is always a fantastic challenge – Jonny Bairstow
