Relaxed Bumrah takes responsibility as India captain – News

Indian Jasprit Bumrah has always enjoyed being confronted with difficult situations. So, after being named captain for the first match of a five-Test series against Australia, the pace spearhead grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Bumrah was elevated to vice-captain before India’s recent 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand and will take the reins in Perth with Rohit Sharma on leave following the birth of his second child.

Described by the regular skipper as a valuable cog in India’s leadership group with his understanding of the game, a relaxed Bumrah on Thursday said he hoped to bring his own style to the job.

“I like responsibility. I have wanted to do this difficult job since I was a child,” the 30-year-old told reporters on the eve of the test.

“So you always want to be in the middle of the action. You want to be thrown into challenging scenarios.

“This is also one of them. It adds a new challenge for me. I always want to add more, even when Rohit is there, or when Virat (Kohli) was there.

“You can’t copy anyone. Both are very successful and have achieved a lot of results…I follow my instincts and that’s the way I’ve always played cricket.”

Rohit is expected to reclaim the captaincy before the second Test.

Pace bowling captains are rare in the modern game, but Bumrah said his counterpart Pat Cummins had excelled in the role.

“Pat has done a phenomenal job. He’s been very successful. So there are a lot of role models you could follow,” he added.

“You can also take inspiration from the past. Many players have done very well for India, including Kapil Dev.