New Delhi: Jasprit Bumrah has done enough at Perth to be considered as a legitimate candidate to become India’s long term Test captain, feels Cheteshwar Pujara.
In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma due to the birth of his second child, Bumrah led the team to a whopping 295-run victory over Australia.
The pace spearhead led from the front, with a match haul of eight wickets, including five wickets in the first innings as India took a crucial first innings lead and gradually extended their domination over the hosts.
With Rohit entering the last phase of his career after retiring from T20Is, the captaincy is up for grabs. Though neither BCCI nor Rohit has spoken about his future plans in red-ball cricket, Pujara believes he has ticked all boxes to become a long-term option.
“He is (a viable long term captaincy option) without any doubt,” Pujara told ESPN Cricinfo.
“The way he has showed that in difficult circumstances when we had a tough series at home and when you are playing a first Test match in Australia and to put up a show like that.”
“I think he has the capability of leading the team and he’s a team’s man. You look at him he never only talks about himself, he talks about the team, the other players. What advice he would give,” he added.
‘Down to earth’
Pujara explained that Bumrah is a good listener and knows who to advise and to what extent. Hi affable nature and humble personality is also an instant hit with team-mates.
“There are times when players don’t need advise and he accepts it, he says that.. if there is an experienced player he will keep quite. That is the sign of a good captain.
“He is very down to earth, very friendly with players in the dressing room and eager to help and he is good person to chat with. Even outside of cricket he has a humble personality,” Pujara said.
With Rohit joining the team and being fit to play, he will take over from Bumrah during the second Test, a day-night encounter to be played in Adelaide from December 6.
In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah led India to a whopping 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Perth. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
